Advising for College Success: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

• Published in: College Completion Network
• Main Authors: Feygin, Amy, Miller, Trey, Bettinger, Eric, Dell, Madison
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: College Completion Network 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Academic Advising; College Students; Communities of Practice; Comprehensive Programs; Computer Mediated Communication; Educational Attainment; Educational Policy; Educational Practices; First Year Seminars; Holistic Approach; Intervention; Literature Reviews; Mentors; Outcomes of Education; Program Effectiveness; Student College Relationship; Success

The College Completion Network conducted a systematic review of the research on advising strategies that support college completion. Several key findings can inform policy and practice: Holistic and comprehensive interventions that combine multiple components to meet student needs improve student outcomes. These types of interventions provide students with a comprehensive suite of advising, student services, academic support, and financial aid. Rigorous studies have consistently found long-term, positive effects on student outcomes. Proactive communication with sustained follow-up that spans a student's trajectory through college improves student outcomes. The review found that students benefit when colleges communicate proactively, pair outreach with consistent follow-up, and provide incentives for students to respond. Informational interventions, such as those delivered via text messaging or email campaigns, should provide targeted and actionable information with clear next steps. Student success can be bolstered when colleges provide a robust set of nonacademic supports through comprehensive case management. Now more than ever, college students require a range of nonacademic supports to ensure their success in college. Colleges can partner with case management organizations to connect students with mental health supports, childcare, transportation assistance, and access to food and other basic needs. As new evidence merges, practitioners can learn about the most effective approaches to providing nonacademic supports. [For "Advising for College Success: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Appendix C," see ED626639. For "Advising for College Success: Policies, Practices, and Programs That Support Students on the Path to College Completion," see ED626635. For "Advising for College Success: Next Steps for Policymakers, Practitioners, and Researchers," see ED626636.]