Learning to Adapt: How to Succeed in College

Changes Students Can Expect in Higher Education

The data is in: college is challenging, even for students who excelled in high school. According to Education Data Initiative, 56% of undergraduate college students do not receive their diplomas after six years. In addition, while public high schools are free, college is costly and full of hidden expenses; students even need to budget for textbooks.

PrepWithMo | Student learning how to succeed in college
College student taking a break after a long day of studying

Since education after high school is not mandatory and requires plenty of self-motivation, graduating from college is an incredible accomplishment. Here are some tips for students to remember that increase their chances of proudly walking across the stage on graduation day.

When it’s time for your child to learn how to succeed in college, encourage them to follow these simple steps.

  • Since college classes are longer, larger, and not as structured, it is important to prepare for them by spending plenty of time completing any assigned readings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When students are already familiar with the material and feel their best, they can focus on enhancing their knowledge.
  • Professors do not tend to monitor homework or incomplete work as closely as high school teachers, so students should keep track of it themselves through planner notebooks, digital calendars, and/or daily to-do lists. Once each student finds a system that meets his or her individual needs, late assignments should be uncommon.
  • Testing after high school is usually less frequent, but its results cover more material and account for a greater percentage of students’ overall grades. This is why college learners need to spend more time studying for tests than they ever have before.

If your child is struggling to adjust to the college environment, I am still here to assist them. Feel free to call me at (972) 584-7364.