Here's what students say about succeeding in college:
Like it or not, there is a big transition from high school to college and you’ve got to hit the ground running. …. The academic workload, I have to say, is exponentially more than what you experience in high school.
I’m not trying to scare you. All you have to do is stay on top of your studies. You just can’t fall behind because if you think you can cram the night before an exam and do well, you’re wrong. There’s just too much material. Preparation is key when it comes to doing well academically in college and it takes a lot of dedication.
— Shawn Gappy, 19, Junior, Biological Sciences, Wayne State University
Ask questions about anything that comes to mind, such as the right major, the good professors, and study abroad programs, because you’ll gain the best experience abroad. Treat college as a job that you absolutely need to gain experience from.
— Juan Antonio Flores, 24, B.A in Criminal Justice, M.S.W., Michigan State University
On homework: Don’t put it off.
— Adam Sparkes, 24, B.A. in Journalism, Eastern Michigan University
I felt so stressed with school work that I felt I wouldn’t be able to uphold my scholarship, which I needed to maintain at least a 3.6. I ended up dropping the scholarship to ease the pressure. I think it’s important to enjoy college and so I don’t regret dropping the scholarship. Funny thing, though: I graduated college with a 3.6 GPA.
— Chris Azzopardi, 24, B.A. in Journalism, Eastern Michigan University
I had to take one remedial math course, as I didn’t pass out of it like everyone else. It put me behind. I didn’t mind the course, and I definitely didn’t act like I was too good for the course. Just took it, got a good grade and moved on. It was a good refresher to the more advanced stuff.
— Christopher Semanson, 21, Senior in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn
I went to all my classes in undergrad; I think that’s the only thing that saved me. Advice for future college students: Go to class. This way the professor sees your face and you always know when there will be a test or homework due.
Trust me, they know who comes and who doesn’t, and this always affects how they grade. Even if you never study, the professors will think that you do if you show up every time — because so many people skip!
— Andrea Beauvais, 23, B.A. in Psychology and Business Management, American International College, M.Sc. in Organizational Psychology, University of Missouri
Study groups happen almost every night in our very own library — if you prefer to call them study groups. I prefer to call them social hour where studying and homework gets done. Depending on the group, there can be anywhere between two and 20 people up in the library.
— Christopher Semanson
Making school a priority was the biggest thing for me. Like, I didn’t care what else was going on, my phlosophy was, "I gotta go to school; I gotta get that work done." Everything else was secondary.
When I started, I wanted to be there. I wanted to get done and wanted to have my associate’s (degree). There was times when it was just tough. I kept my nose to the grindstone, and I just kept getting there.
— Roger Fleury, 24, Sophomore, Communications/Journalism at St. Clair Community College
I strongly feel visiting your academic advisor should be the first thing on your list to do when you start college. I tried to “do it myself” and I ended up taking classes that I didn’t need. …
Definitely get to know your professors. Some of them can help you out so much. They have been doing this for a while and many times, they can guide you in the right direction if you ever have any questions. I have a few professors that I have gone to more than once for help in my studies, or even a reference. They are usually very willing to help.
— Nicole Lauer, 25, Junior, Elementary Education/Language Arts/Sign Language, Madonna University