<p>So, my freshman year was not at all what I expected, academically. After the first semester I was on academic warning. Again, this semester I fell below a 2.0 meaning I will be on academic probation in the Fall. I can not afford to ever fail another class. I moved to another state, by myself to attend college. I really need some advice on how to just buckle down and get a handle on my college career. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>This is very common. College is a big adjustment. In that sense, you will have an easier time next year because you already know your way around the campus. It can also be a shock for smart people because they were used to being the “smart ones” and it is a slap in the face to go up against other very smart students from other high schools. </p>
<p>Advice:
- take a reasonable load. If you are a night owl, try not to have early morning classes.
- GO to EVERY class. No skipping!!!
- Make use of professor office hours if there is ANY aspect of the material you do not understand. Professors LOVE it when students show up and show motivation. If a student is between two grades, this will also often give the nudge towards the higher grade.
- Try to get sleep. Monitor your partying and drinking and keep it reasonable. Yes, you can have fun but the purpose of college is not to party, and the effects the next day are probably not worth it. Mature people know when to say no.
- Don’t hesitate to get tutoring at student services.
-Make friends with good students with good work habits. </p>
<p>You will do fine next year if you do these things. Good luck!</p>
<p>Agree with all of what Calla1 said and would like to add that you should set an alarm for when it’s time to do work. Treat college as an 8 hour a day job, a 9-5 if you will. </p>
<p>I also find it helpful to form study groups that meet at least once a week at a regular time. That way, if I don’t do the work, my peers will judge me which is a very powerful motivator IMO.</p>