Most students head off to college full of anticipation. Your life's finally getting started, you've got a newfound independence and you're on way to a real career.
I hate to be a Debbie Downer 
here, but despite all those high hopes, by the end of freshman year about 30 percent of students have dropped out. And according to the Department of Education, around 50 percent never graduate at all.
I'm only bringing this up because I don't want it to happen to you. If money is the problem , consider this: college graduates earn roughly twice as much as non-graduates over a lifetime. You really don't want to leave school with the double whammy of debt and no degree. If you're struggling with money, get yourself to your school's Financial Aid Office right away. They're the best people to help figure out your options.
Unfortunately, many students drop out of school because they simply don't know what it takes to stay in college — I've seen this with my own eyes. Here are some simple suggestions that will go miles toward keeping you in college:
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Go to class. You know how they say "90 percent of life is just showing up"? This definitely applies in college. No one's there to make you go, and it's going to be tempting to skip sometimes, but you have to show up for class. When you get there, if it's a big lecture hall, sit up front. You'll be less distracted, you'll hear better, and you'll automatically pay more attention because the professor can actually see you.
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Study
. Study between classes whenever you can. Even if you've just got an hour, you can review your notes, read a chapter or outline a paper. In the evenings, find a quiet place away from distractions. If you're struggling in a class, see your professor, teaching assistant or advisor — they may be able to help you get a tutor. -
Stay on campus on the weekends. During your first year of school, it can be really tempting to run back home on the weekends, but don't give in. Finding yourself at loose ends on a weekend may feel strange, but there are plenty of other freshmen in the same boat. Stick it out — you've got to commit to making friends and finding a life at school if you want to succeed
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Don't go out on weeknights. This ties directly to point #1. Simply put, you'll be less-inclined to skip class if you weren't out the night before. You don't have be a hermit during the week — have a TV night
with your friends, go for study snacks, whatever keeps you sane. But treat college like a full-time job: Take it seriously and save going out for the weekends.
What do you think? What does it take to stay in college these days?
Going to class is the best advice you can give, but it takes one's own mistakes in class to figure this out. Took me two years :S to figure this out! Living in the dorms can be great for socializing depending on other student housing options but the I found the best way to start "growing up" is to rent an apartment right next to campus. You're still close enough to all the action and buildings, but you're own your own with rent, utilities, and it's easier to time manage without hundreds of freshman like you to distract you. Plus I made my best friends in the apartment complex!!
I love your tips! I can say from current and past experience that they are very, very accurate.
I learned the hard way that showing up for class really is the key to it all. Not only in paying attention, but I lost a full ride scholarship because I ditched too many classes. It hurt my wallet and college self esteem, and I hate to see other students make the same mistake.
Listen to Caroline!
September 17, 2007 06:41 PM
Thanks for sharing your experience, Josephine!
September 19, 2007 06:27 AM