College Student

Throughout life people are faced with a variety of hurdles. How they choose to overcome these hurdles determines whether they become successful or not, it would be nice if there was an instruction manual to tell one how to be successful, how to overcome these hurdles. One of the most difficult hurdles facing people today is college. Often times people go into college with their eyes closed tightly, meaning they are totally unprepared for what lye's ahead. There are a variety of aspects that determine whether students are successful in college. Meeting basic requirements to enter college, selecting the right courses, learning how to study on the college level, and managing time are all key factors in becoming a successful college student.

To enroll in college, one must first meet the basic requirements of that institution. Requirements for some colleges are more difficult than others. To be successful in college, one must choose a college in which they meet the basic requirements. For almost all academically based colleges, a basic requirement is a high school diploma or G.E.D. Some colleges base acceptance on the students high school grade point average. Colleges with difficult admission requirements are looking not only for a student with a good grade point average, but are also looking for a well rounded individual. This basically means that not only are the admissions people looking for above average grades, but they are also looking for outside of school or extracurricular activities. Some examples of extra curricular activities are clubs, church groups, and or sports. After acceptance, one must be placed into classes through placement testing. Placement tests vary from state to state. In Texas, the TASP test is used to test a students ability. Not all students are required to take the TASP test. Some are exempt with high TAAS scores, ACT scores, or SAT scores. After these requirements are met, the student is one step closer to becoming a college success, but they are not at the finish line yet.

After a student is accepted into a college, one of the most difficult decisions is ahead, course selection. This step is usually a tough one for the student. Now he or she is faced with choosing his or her major. Although a student can remain undecided for quite some time, choosing a major is a enormous task that must be faced. Throughout the course of college, a students major may change several times or none at all. It all depends on the students interest. Talking with a counselor at this point is extremely helpful for a student. Often times counselors can send students in the right direction for achieving their goals, as well as helping them to select courses to go along with their intended major. Finding the right course is not all that goes into course selection. Times of the classes have to flow, not overlapping each other. The student must also allow time to go from one class to another. This can be a tedious process, but the most challenging hurdles still lye ahead.

College courses require more effort and studying than high school. Many students are unable to change their studying habits, which could lead to failure. Many classes require several hours per day of studying. The student not only has to try and stay ahead of the selected readings and or homework, but also find enough time to do this for all their classes. Different classes require different methods of studying. Mathematics and science require working problems and examples. History involves context reading as well as memorizing several dates or events. English requires writing essays and elaborate reading. These are just four examples of the various skills it takes to become successful. As the student continues with college, he or she determines exactly how much time they need to spend on studying and what methods to go about doing this.

Time is the most important aspect of being successful. Often, students feel that there just are not enough hours in a day. Not only do students have to make time for their classes and studying, they also need to have time to see their family and friends. Students are constantly being told college is the best time of their life, but time just does not seem to be on their side. Balancing time effectively is a skill that seems to increase with time spent in college. Besides dividing time between family, friends, and studying students always seem to find time to do one thing, party! Whether it be just a cup of coffee with a friend or a frat house party, college is an experience to last a lifetime.

There are several elements of being successful in college. For every student is different. Finding the right division of school and life depends on the person. The goal of college is to gain a basic understanding of the real world as well as being trained specifically for a given job. The keys to become successful in college strongly rely on meeting basic requirements, selecting courses, finding ways to study proficiently, and balancing time. Being a good student in college is a essential key in being successful in the future.