Top Ten Costly Mistakes College Students Make

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.

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