| Many public universities play the "Low Expectation Game"
(see article "College 'Low Expectations Game' Cost Students,
Parents & Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars"). As a student or a
parent, you can avoid this game using the following tips: Tip
#1 – Register for 15 hours.
To graduate in 4 years, not 5 not 6, requires a minimum of 15
hours per semester. If you are having problems securing 15
hours, ask the following question: Since I am earning a 4-year
degree, how can I do that only taking 12 hours per semester? If
the university’s designated person continues to refuse your
request for 15 hours, ask for his or her supervisor. By being
proactive at this time, will save you thousands of dollars.
Tip #2 – Secure Your BINGO sheet.
When registering, secure a copy of all the required courses
that you will need for your field of study. In some colleges or
universities, this is called a BINGO sheet. If you are unsure,
look through the college course catalog and see what courses are
required for your different interests. Register for those shared
required courses.
Tip #3 – Keep all Course Schedules and Offerings.
Universities publish the schedule of the courses for the next
semester. Do not discard these publications. With many courses
being only offered during the spring or fall, this is the only
tool that you have to learn when a specific course is offered or
who teaches a course. Keeping these schedules becomes even more
critical when you are planning your junior and senior years.
Tip #4 – Plan Your Courses Now.
With the BINGO sheet in hand, begin to plan the courses that
you will take during the next 3.5 years. This plan will change
due to course changes, degree changes, etc. However, this 4-year
plan provides you with the “BIG” picture and then allows you to
begin to take small bites.
Tip #5 – Plan Your Weekly Schedule.
Plan your weekly schedule including study time, research
time, etc. For each 3-hour course, expect to spend 2 to 4 hours
per week. Some courses such as English Literature may require
substantial reading. If you are a slower reader allow for more
reading time. If you are only going to school for 15 hours per
week, there is plenty of time to study before, in between and
after your classes. Many baby boomer graduates worked full time
jobs while taking 15 to 18 hours.
Tip #6 – Focus on Your Graduation Goal Date.
Every additional semester that you spend in college is
costing you a minimum of $20,000 - $5,000 tuition and $15,000 in
loss earnings. All of your actions should be directed to
achieving your graduate goal date.
Tip #7 – Make Wise Choices.
You, and only you, are responsible for the choices that you
make. For parents, set the expectation that you expect your
daughter or son to graduate in 4 years. Students accept that
expectation and run with it. If you are having trouble with time
management, goal planning and achievement, studying skills,
course content, decision making or problem solving, make a wise
choice and find some solutions.
Remember, by graduating in 4 years, you have an edge over
those students who chose to play the “Low Expectation Game” and
you can start the life that you dreamed only 4 years earlier.
Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S. President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, is
the Process Specialist. With over 25 years of business and
education experience, she builds peace and abundance by
connecting the 3P’s of Passion, Purpose and Performance through
process improvement. She is one of the first national certified
facilitators for America’s Rising Stars and coaches young people
to create a life long plan for success. Leanne believes we need
to stop setting our young people up for failure. As co-author of
M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential: 7 Capacities for Living an Amazing
Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement (Fall 2005 release), she
speaks nationally to a variety of audiences.
Contact Leanne at 219.759.5601,
leanne@processspecialist.com or visit
http://www.processspecialist.com/youth.htm if you are
seeking amazing results.
Copyright 2005 - Leanne Hoagland-Smith,
http://www.processspecialist.com
Permission to publish this article, electronically or in
print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link,
and the article is not changed in any way (grammatical
corrections accepted).
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Hoagland-Smith
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