Success in College
Now that you've gotten IN to college, all you have to do is get THROUGH College!!!
Anybody can be accepted at a community college, but it takes skill and perseverance to actually graduate and/or transfer to a university. There are many reasons why students fail to complete their studies, but you can be one of the successful ones. Look at the list below and use the college student service resources to avoid or remedy your problems and challenges with school.
REASONS WHY STUDENTS FAIL and GIVE UP:
- Don't have a Direction, Goal, or Career Path
- Lazy
- Procrastinate
- Relationships that Interfere with Education
- Poor Study Habits
- Bad Attitude
- Too Many Extra-Curricular Activities
- No Role Models, Mentors, or Support
- Illness
- Family Problems
- Dull Classes or Uninspiring Teachers
WHAT TO DO
- See a counselor for Academic and Career Counseling. SMCC Counselors can help you choose a career based on your personality and interests. Counselors can also help you determine your learning style, and devise and adapt strategies for academic success. Call Rosa Cota(602) 305-5608 for an appointment.
- Go to the Career Services Department to research careers of interest.
- See a program advisor to develop an Educational Plan that will provide a path to your future career. Call (602) 243-8330 for an appointment.
- If you have personal and/or family problems that interfere with your academic success, see an SMCC counselor for assistance. Counselors will keep your personal information confidential, help you set goals, and provide you with the skills and perspectives necessary to move cope and move on with your life.
- Talk to your instructors privately. You may be surprised how helpful and inspiring they can be. All full-time faculty have a daily office hour to meet with you to discuss their coursework.
- Take charge of your education by finding ways to make courses interesting and meaningful. Determine your learning style and adapt your courses to it.
- Get a TUTOR before you start to fail a course. If you know certain courses are going to be a challenge, sign up for a tutor during the first 2 weeks of class. SMCC Tutoring Services are free. Go to the Student Assistance Center in the Student Services Building to sign up for a tutor in any number of subjects.
- Enroll in CPD150 - College Success Orientation course to improve your study skills and/or CPD104 - Career and Personal Development to spend a semester deciding and assessing careers, examining self, and working on a resume.
Other Resources