Published: July 06, 2008 12:53 am            

The College Answer Guy

The student’s interaction with the academic advisor may take the form of one-on-one discussions of a student’s strategies and providing input on new strategies. It could be signing the student up for an upcoming workshop or tutoring session. It could be referring the student to another office on campus for the delivery of some service — e.g. counseling, career investigation, etc. And it could be referring them to a web page listing numerous other possibilities.

Math and writing centers are probably the most common resources made available on college campuses (because of the sheer volume of those in need of help in these areas). Other potential resources include tutoring programs, supplemental instruction, workshops on various topics including note-taking, test-taking, time and/or stress management, studying in groups, etc.

Some tried and true strategies to maximize a student’s potential for academic success are:

• Take a freshman orientation class. You’ll learn about campus resources, be exposed to proven ways to succeed, and have access weekly to a faculty or staff member who is knowledgeable about potential pitfalls.

• Seek help at the first sign of trouble, and before there has been time to dig a deep hole.

• Take a study skills workshop or class if you have any indication you could use it.

• Take a careers/majors class if you’re undecided or looking for a new major. Not having a major or being in the wrong one can contribute to academic problems.

• Talk to your professor(s). Getting advice straight from the horse’s mouth can go a long way toward clarifying what they want, and how a student should change what they do to better deliver it. They may also give suggestions as to how and what to study.

• Consider taking a course in one of your weaknesses, by itself and in summer school. This creates less competition for study time (no other classes to HAVE to study for) and allows for more focus on that subject. Consider taking it at a junior/community college.

It’s my experience that students often know what they’re doing wrong. They may not know how to fix it, but they know what they shouldn’t be doing. Advisors and other professionals who work with college students can help identify and direct students to potential solutions.

It is very important for students to realize that one round of tests, one set of midterm grades, the grade in one class or even a whole semester’s grades do not make or break a college career. Courses can be retaken, majors changed, new skills learned, etc. And as long as they are willing to do some work to make changes, no academic trouble cannot be overcome. There is also a lot of confidence to be gained from overcoming this type of obstacle.

Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com, and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com.

        

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