How to Finish College on Time

By Nadia Jones

People often look back on their college years with great fondness. For many, this time can provide the first real taste of independence. It may even seem like students are being presented with new opportunities and experiences on a daily basis. Though the college experience has the potential to build character and shape students into the men and women they will become, it can also provide its fair share of risks. Not everybody is prepared for what they will encounter and be exposed to in college. For these individuals, here are a few ways to stay out of trouble and finish college on time.

• Party responsibly: Parents like to believe their children are in college for the degree they will earn. For many students though, partying can quickly take precedence over homework. College students are notorious for their party habits. Go door to door in a dormitory and one is likely to find at least a few gatherings on a weekly basis. However, individuals should know they have a problem when they are spending more time getting ready for parties than they are devoting to their studies. To ensure that good times do not overtake one’s life, OnlineUniversities.com recommends students attend social gatherings in moderation. In addition, the website states that students should see to it that their sleeping schedule is not disrupted by their nightlife. Leaving events early on a weeknight or only attending get-togethers on the weekend will ensure that individuals are wide-awake in class in case they get called on.
• Avoid alcohol: Where there are parties, there will be alcohol. For many students, college is the first time they have their first beer. Little to no experience drinking makes it easy for individuals to lose control and consume more than they should. If underage, it is best that students avoid alcohol altogether. Aside from the health risks, minors stand a very good chance of being expelled for their actions. Students who find themselves depending on prescription medication, illegal drugs or alcohol in order to get through the day may be in serious trouble. According to U.S. News and World Report, individuals who engage in heavy substance abuse will not be able to maintain the focus they require to survive college.
• Make the right friends: Depending on the size of their institution, students have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds. Associating with individuals who are focused on their school commitments are more likely to avoid risky behaviors that can endanger their academic careers, according to OnlineUnversities.com.
• Signs of trouble: Even if students are going down the wrong path, they might not be aware or choose not to focus on their potentially self-destructive behavior. The biggest warning sign is poor grades. College courses can be tough, but if a student’s grade point average is below a C, chances are something might be wrong, according to U.S. News and World Report. The source states that most students receive As and Bs in college, with the average grade point average falling somewhere between a B and a B-. If one’s efforts are yielding nothing but Cs and Ds, it may be time to identify what is causing these poor performance levels before advancing to harder courses. Equally as bad is not getting any grade at all. Students who are asking for extensions on a regular basis or receiving incompletes may have a problem keeping up with the pace of their courses, according to the news outlet.