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By Onslow, February 4, 2010 2:05 am

Each year millions of students go off to college to begin their collegiate journey. And each year millions of students end or derail that journey for various reasons. Many of the reasons students leave college can be avoided if students address certain issues before they become major problems. Here I address ten of the major reasons students don’t succeed in obtaining their college degree.

1.) Not getting to know their professors

Getting to know your professors is a great way to help you learn more about the class you are in, especially if you’re having difficulty with the class topic. Professors want you to succeed. They are there to help you, to share with you the knowledge they accumulated. Most professors have office hours or you can schedule a time to meet with them. Use that time wisely to find out more about the subject you are studying. Find out more about your major by asking the professor questions. You (or your parents) are paying a lot for college. Put that money to good use by learning from professors who have amassed knowledge that can assist you in your journey. Remember, professors are there to teach and help you. They really want you to succeed.

2.) Not getting proper financial aid help

One of the main reasons students leave college is because of finances. Colleges have financial aid representatives to help you navigate the myriad of choices available to help pay for college and its expenses. The saying that many scholarships go unused is true. Sign up for a service such as FastWeb (it’s free) to help you find out about such scholarships. Visit http://www.MyCollegeSuccess.com/money.html to obtain a list of scholarship sources.

3.) Not managing time

You’re in college now. You are on your own. No parents, no teachers telling you want to do and when to do it. This is good. This is part of being an adult. But now you have to manage your own time. You have to decide how much time you can spend with your friends, how much time you will spend online, how much time you will study, how much sleep you will get, etc. If you don’t manage your time effectively your college experience won’t be as great as it can be. There are many time management tools available to assist you. Your college’s academic advisor department can also help you with this.

4.) Not getting involved in campus life

One of the great joys of being in college is taking part in campus activities. There are many positive activities for a student to become a part of. You can choose from student government, student chapters of national organizations within your chosen field of study, volunteering for an organization, or joining a study group. If you are unsure as to where to begin, check with your school student life activities department.

5.) Not participating in internships

Quick question. Which job candidate is more attractive to a potential employer? The student who worked at the local fast food restaurant or the student who worked as an intern in his/her chosen field of study? Most employers would chose the intern which is why you should work hard to land an internship while you are in school. Work with your academic department to make sure you chose an internship that is relevant to your major and one that will give you the experience you seek.

6.) Not preparing for class

Far too many students just show up to class not having read the assignment or completed the assigned project. College is not a walk in the park. Set aside time to study. If there isn’t an assignment, read ahead anyway to prepare for the next lecture. This will help you obtain a better grasp on class concepts.

7.) Taking too long to declare a major

You don’t want to take too long in selecting your major field of study. Why? Each major has certain requirements that have to be met in order to graduate. These requirements can include certain classes that have to be passed, internships, or certifications that have to be obtained. Get focused in your degree search and pick a major that complements your skills and talents.

8.) Not getting help when needed

Your GPA is sinking fast in Chemistry. What are you going to do? Don’t wait until the last month of the semester to ask for help. Get help now! Whatever class you are struggling in, get help earlier. You can join a study group in the class or get tutoring assistance from your school. Many colleges provide tutoring centers. Take advantage of this help. Remember, you’re paying for it.

9.) Mishandling credit

Ah, the lure of credit. Credit can seem like a great thing when you don’t have any money. Don’t fall for the trap. Using credit to pay for items such as the late night pizza run or buying gifts for friends is not a smart use of credit. Remember, any money you borrow will have to be paid back with interest. Too many times students have let credit cards and loans get them in financial trouble, some having to leave school because they were so much in debt. Be smart about the use of credit. Graduate with as little debt as possible because these credit/loan companies will come looking for you after graduation, some even before you receive that diploma.

10.) Not handling roommate issues

Does your roommate come in at all hours of the night disturbing you and not allowing you to get a good night sleep? Or are you and your roommate constantly fighting over various issues that makes your living arrangement unbearable? If this is the case, get help now. You may have to bring in an outside party such as the residence life dean at your school. If the situation continues to be a problem don’t be afraid to ask for a different dorm room assignment. Not dealing with roommate issues can become an emotional burden that can create stress in your life which in turn can affect your classroom performance.

As a college instructor, Bruce Gibbs taught hundreds of students. He knows the secrets to being successful in college and he has authored the award-winning book The Secret to College Success. Mr. Gibbs is also available for speaking engagements on the subject of college success. Get more details at http://www.MyCollegeSuccess.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/top-ten-costly-mistakes-college-students-make-1763136.html

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By Onslow, October 27, 2009 6:55 pm

The Obama Administration has adopted a program wherein mothers can return to colleges and universities and take hold of a college degree. This fact is not known to most women in the country.

With the current economic condition, women and moms might consider the chance to go back to school, as offered by the Federal Government. Mothers who have devoted their years and efforts in the caring of their family should grab this opportunity and reward themselves by achieving something. At present, we are facing an economic crisis. But we have to consider the fact that the economy has its ups and downs and once the day comes that it will become stable again, jobs and opportunities would come, ready for the taking. So going back to school today is an investment for the future.

The Pell Grant is a program of the Federal Government spearheaded by the Obama Administration. It is designed to support students who are financially incapable of paying for their education. The grant given to deserving students has been raised from $4050 to the amount of $5100 and still increasing. Applying for said grant is simple; you just have to search for a college or university which honors said grant and then fill-up an online form called the FAFSA. And as pronounced by the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the first $4000 is free from any deductions.

If the problem is the impossibility of studying in a campus or commuting from ones home to a college or university, worry no more. There is a way to get a college degree without the need of quitting ones job or sacrificing quality time with children. Advancement of information technology has solved this problem, studying online is one way of finishing ones education. Getting a degree may be had at the comforts of ones own living room. Tons of grants are being offered today for mothers, grab the opportunity and follow your dreams!

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By Onslow, August 16, 2009 3:27 am

It’s in the newspapers, on the television, on the radio – Obama wants moms to return to school. He has received some opposition, but moms everywhere are getting excited about the prospect of getting their college degree.

Some people have wondered why the government is helping out mothers and giving them this opportunity. However, the Obama administration is determined to help moms everywhere who wish to go to back to school. Right from the beginning of his administration, Obama changed the Pell Grant to $200 more than it had been. In other words, the maximum amount is now $5,500 for the 2010 – 2011 school year. That is $200 more for moms who want to go back to school.

Obama is especially focusing on single moms. They can go back to school at a nearby campus or learn at home through online courses. These moms can stay home with their children and get their degree at the same time!

When the kids are older, these moms will have a future career waiting for them. They will be qualified to get their dream jobs and also be a great example for their kids. Working towards their degree will also increase their self-esteem and help them be a better mom and provider for their kids.

It’s worth the time and effort to look into the possibilities available for moms today. There is no reason to sit back and feel that a college degree is impossible. Obama’s administration is giving mothers so many options today that there is every reason to start today!

Moms get back into school with awarded Free $10,000 Scholarships for mothers, students and anyone else.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/president-obama-is-ready-for-moms-to-go-back-to-school-1127355.html

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By Onslow, July 26, 2009 12:02 pm

When it comes to college, many young people feel as though they do not need it in order to make a good living. As young people grow and become adults, it is soon realized that not having a college education was not such a great idea.

Those with a college degree are far more likely to be hired for any position out there,
before someone without a degree. In fact, someone without a degree, but ten years of hands on experience is often times passed up for someone with no hands on experience but a college degree under their belt.

Because of that fact alone it is vital to make sure that you obtain a college degree.
Whether you are seventeen years old or forty years old, now is the time in your life to
begin thinking about improving your education.

You are never too young or too old to think about college as you have a lot of life to live and you want to be able to make the most of it. But besides the money aspect of the whole college issue, there are other reasons to earn a college education.

Those with a college degree under their belt, no matter what it was that they specialized in, are treated with more respect in the community. While that is a sad thing to say and some people are not likely to believe it, it is true.

People will take what you have to say more seriously if you are college educated. Even though there are incredibly smart and talented people all over the place without a college education, they are not given the opportunities that someone with a degree gets. Fair or unfair, this is the way the world works.

You will also gain a lot of life experience by attending college. Besides all the stuff
that you will learn from books, you will also learn a lot of street smart stuff during your
years in college.

Interaction with authority and your peers is a big part of it. It is a nice way to taste
the “real world” without yet having to pay the mortgage that goes along with it. Of course, if you are an adult returning to school you will still have that mortgage but there is still a lot to be learned in terms of life experiences.

College is without a doubt a time in your life that you will not regret or soon forget.
Even though it may be a little stressful and maybe even a little scary, your future, your
happiness, and your overall well being depend upon you making the right decisions about your education.

It is time to act now. The sooner you get up and get started the sooner it will all be done and over with. Once you are finished you can put all of that knowledge to good use and start earning the income that your time is truly worth.

Visit SchoolThemes.org to discover teacher and education tips that promote school spirit and character education in a fun learning environment. Additionally, higher education really pays. Learn more to earn more with
your college degree.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/the-benefits-of-a-college-education-1034741.html