Sadly, just over half the students who attend college graduate within six years. There have been numerous studies designed to uncover the factors that contribute to success in college. Most important, it seems, is the completion of a rigorous college preparatory program in high school. And, as colleges have known for years, the higher a student's grades in high school, the more likely he or she will be to find success in college. And, there is strong evidence that students from families in which education is a high priority are more likely to complete college than students from families which may not place the same value on higher education. But, once a student gets to college, what can he or she do to maximize the likelihood of graduation? You might be surprised by some of the "rules" for college success. First, students should not overburden themselves academically. For most freshmen, carrying more than fifteen credits a semester is a big mistake. Many, in fact, would be smart to carry no more than twelve hours during their initial semester, as they adjust to the demands of college. Equally important is course selection. Whenever possible, students should spread out the courses they find most difficult instead of scheduling three or four of them during the same semester. After academic overload, the most common reason students leave college without a degree is that they work more hours than they should. Some very good research has shown that students who are employed for more than twenty hours a week are four times as likely as others to drop out of college at some point. There are, of course, many reasons students leave college without achieving their goals. Poor communications skills, lack of motivation, immaturity, inadequate time management skills, and poor study habits are just a few. But, if you are mature, if you are motivated, and if you have reasonable academic skills, there are only two things you must remember to greatly increase your chances to complete college successfully. Schedule carefully; choose the number and kinds of courses you take thoughtfully, so you do not bite off more than you can chew, particularly as a freshman. And, do not under any circumstances, accept a job that requires late evening hours or more than twenty hours a week.
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Sadly, just over half the students who attend college graduate within six years.
Daniel Kane is a veteran teacher, college Director of Admissions, and university Dean. The websites he originally created as a hobby now assist students seeking information on colleges, college scholarships, and online degree programs, Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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