The experience of adolescents who transitioned to college during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the college transition process and first year college experience for several cohorts of students. This review addresses research related to the college transition process, illustrating the "high touch" support mechanisms that are often characteristic of students' experiences during the first year. Understanding the needs of students in the transition and how colleges have supported students historically helps to explain why the pandemic was disruptive to students transitioning into college and throughout their first year. The review suggests additional support is needed for students' mental health and other stressors that they face. It also reinforces the need to ensure that support mechanisms are mindful of students who have been historically marginalized.