<p>Happened to S2 and S3. They got involved with games like WOW, stayed up all night and did not get up for classes. THE single biggest factor is class attendance. Particularly when no one takes note if you are there or not. The other factor is doing the reading/work regularly. We told ours that college should be treated like an 8 hr per day job. Then their night and weekends would be more fun and they would still be successful. 2 did that, 2 did not. The 2 did not did not make it the first time.</p>
<p>singersmom,
DH went back to grad school after five years in the workforce (and three years into our marriage). He took law school as an 8-hour a day job and it served him tremendously well. He had always coasted somewhat on the grades and saved his tail with stellar standardized test scores. Considering he was giving up a well-paying job and going into debt for law school, he was determined to make the most of it. That attitude continues to benefit him today.</p>
<p>We encouraged S1 to take the same approach.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>What on earth does “entitlement” have to do with it?</p>
<p>There are plenty of highly able kids who were never challenged appropriately K-8 and so never developed the study habits needed to excel when things finally got harder in HS. There are others who continued to not receive appropriate challenge 9-12 who therefore never developed the study habits they needed to succeed in college. Not their fault, and nothing to do with “entitlement.”</p>
<p>There are also kids who suffer from psychiatric issues, health issues, all kinds of stuff. Nothing to do with “entitlement.”</p>
<p>I didn’t see anyone suggesting that this kid was owed success simply by virtue of getting in.</p>
<p>Tiger, the short answer to Duke’s academic requirements, is a C- or better for credit towards graduation. Duke will also accept two courses with a D.</p>
<p>[Duke</a> University | Trinity College of Arts & Sciences : Academic requirements](<a href=“http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=graduation-requirements]Duke”>http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=graduation-requirements)</p>
<p>Engineering appears similar, but recommend repeating math courses in which a D is obtained.</p>
<p><a href=“Policies & Procedures | Duke Pratt School of Engineering”>Policies & Procedures | Duke Pratt School of Engineering;
<p>And, of course, any top school has a gazillion premeds, upwards of 33% of the matriculating Frosh. Obviously, most of those will not successfully complete the premed gauntlet and apply to med school. While some find other interests in college, most recognize the med school dream is gone after a C or two. The point being that C’s in premed classes are common even at schools even known for grade inflation. Lower grades are even possible, particularly in Frosh engineering courses.</p>
<p>I know of a similar situation with someone at Cornell. It was strongly suggested that he take a year off…and he re-entered with a different major. Will finish in 5 years from the original date of entry.</p>
<p>While video games, partying and procrastination can all be causes, some kids just aren’t ready to leave home and manage all of the mental and emotional changes that come with going away for the first year of college. Most schools will gladly grant a gap year to students so that they can develop that maturity before they enter. Some students take that gap year (forced or by choice) after they’ve entered.</p>
<p>Of the few students I’ve seen who have seriously blown it at the unis I’ve taught at, it seems at some point its either a) depression or b) some major life stressor/event took place.</p>