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August 23, 2004
Legend's View:
Being successful in college begins with wise decisions
Congratulations! You’ve made it through that aggravating, plastic utopia otherwise known as high school. Your GPA shines like a beacon of fortitude among the cosmos. Your pom-poms and jock-straps adorn your pedestal of hormonal triumph. You are the cream of the angst-ridden crop. Alas, your perch in the sun becomes overshadowed by the impending doom of the real world. Welcome to college!
As you embark on the transition into adulthood, the myriad of critical decisions and new-found independence can make life feel unstable and chaotic. Fact is, the choices you make and the actions you take during this first year of college will have a significant impact on the rest of your college experience.
According to American College Testing (ACT), one in every four college students withdraws before completing their sophomore year and nearly half of all freshmen will either drop out before obtaining a degree or complete their college education elsewhere.
However, the following information should serve as a source of help for you to not only survive but thrive in your first year of college. The skills and habits you develop now for college will help you succeed in your future career as well.
First of all, find a good academic adviser and stick with them! Academic advisers assist with adding or dropping courses, planning future classes, course conflicts, deciding on majors and minors, etc. This is the person you turn to with any academic concerns, gripes, or moans . Do not, I repeat, do not hesitate to look for another adviser if they seem reluctant or impatient.
Go to class. It’s obvious, right? Well, it’s must be “rocket science” for some. In college, unlike high school, some instructors never take attendance and couldn’t care less about your hangnail (or hangover), and skipping classes can be immensely tempting, but resist the temptation! Instructors give vital information regarding tests, notes, due dates, etc. during class.
Utilize the study resources on campus. There is a library, computer lab, learning labs and tutors available. If you’re struggling with a subject, need to do some quick research, or need a place to complete assignments, these resources can often times be a saving grace.
Get involved. An enormous problem for many new students is a feeling of “not belonging.” Luckily, there is a solution. Consider joining a student organization, club or sports team.
Learn to prioritize your life. Completing assignments at the last minute and still managing to squeak by with an “A” may have worked in high school, but not in college. Procrastination is deadly when it comes to grades. Try to do today what you could do tomorrow, you never know what unforeseen circumstances may creep up.
Avoid making rash decisions about a career or major. Most college students don’t have a clue as to what they want to be when they “grow up.”
Many students feel lost or unsure of what career path they want to pursue long-term. The world won’t fall off of its axis if you decide to change your major later on down the road. Now is the time for you to discover who you are, what you enjoy, what you’re good at and what you ultimately want to do. Be committed to getting an education, but don’t force anything.
Above all, the most important piece of advice is to be yourself. This may be a challenge, but popularity contests are, for the most part, a thing of the past.
Generally, no one will care if you roll out of bed and come to class in your pajamas, but you may do right by contributing something worthwhile and interesting in all that you say and do. Concentrate on what really matters rather than what others expect.
Becoming your own person is truly what the college experience is all about. Milk it for all it’s worth!
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