Midterms can be a wake-up call for many students, especially in their first or second year of college. If their first grades do not reflect their effort, they may feel overwhelmed and lost. When this happens, it can be disheartening — not just for students, but for parents too. However, poor midterm grades are not the end of the road. In fact, they can be the beginning of a more focused, honest, and supportive journey. 

Here are five suggestions for parents and what they can do to help their struggling student: 

• Be calm, not critical: Midterm grades do not define intelligence or potential. Harsh reactions add pressure and shame. What students need most is emotional safety, so they feel comfortable asking for help. 

• Ask questions that show support, not suspicion: Instead of “What happened?” try “How can I support you going forward?” That one change in language can build trust instead of fear. 

• Recognize the learning curve: College is not just academics — it’s also about learning how to manage time, stress, relationships, and independence. Struggling is part of the process. 

• Encourage the use of campus resources: Suggest visiting the Student Success Center for academic coaching, tutoring, visiting a professor during office hours, or meeting with their academic advisor, but without making it sound like a punishment. These are tools, not signs of failure. 

• Focus on growth, not perfection: One set of grades does not determine the rest of college — or life. What matters is learning from the experience, adjusting, and moving forward. 

Ultimately, students want to do well — and they want their parents to be proud. Midterms may not always reflect that effort, but with the right support, they can be a turning point instead of a dead end. 

 By Kim Hyland, Assistant Director of Student Success