Each year, 2.9 million new freshmen enter college.
By the end of that first year, almost 900,000 drop out.
Why do students drop out by the end of the first year?
- Can’t afford it: 38%
- Can’t adjust to the academic rigor (Flunk out): 28%
- Can’t adjust to the social environment: 13%
- Lack family support: 9%
- Suffer with psychological and/or health issues: 8%
- Feel isolated from family and support system: 4%
(https://www.thinkimpact.com/)
Another factor that contributes to students dropping out is having parents who didn’t finish college. Approximately 360,000 students dropout because their parents are unfamiliar with the tricky new environment. When students are the first in their families to attend college and come from low-earning families, the first-year dropout rate is staggering: 88%.
Some of the dropping out is certainly by choice. They figure out what they want to do, and it isn’t college.
For some, it may be unavoidable. A parent gets sick and needs the college-aged student back home to help with younger siblings.
But the rest, those who want to stay at college, fail because they don’t ask questions.
What can you do to survive into your second year?
With a little foreknowledge and courage, you can stack the odds in your favor:
- Do some preparation before you get to campus
- Get into the habit of asking questions
- Find someone on campus who you trust is working in your best interest
Prepare
I teach college psychology and advise students who have no idea what they want to do when they grow up and those who plan to major in psychology.
My typical advisee walks into their first advising session unprepared. Most of the first meeting consists of me prompting them to think about what they want out of their college experience. As you might imagine it’s hard for new students to relax and think about big life issues with a professor staring at them awaiting a response. These first meetings are always less productive than I would like. But when the students leave, at least they have some ideas to think about for the next meeting.
Do the following and get the most out of your first meeting with your advisor:
Ask questions
People are often illogical. At the beginning of each quarter, most of my students sit quietly in class, confused. They don’t ask questions. I’ve learned by asking them that don’t because:
- They feel out of place.
- They feel embarrassed by their confusion.
- It doesn’t occur to them to ask. They are used to being confused.
- They may actively assume that there isn’t a solution so don’t ask.
- They are so confused they don’t know what to ask.
- They fear asking a stupid question.
Make asking questions a habit. The more you ask questions, the easier it gets. The more questions you ask, the more you learn.
Ease into the habit of asking questions with your friends. Develop the habit of asking them something before you share anything about yourself.
- How are your classes going?
- How are things going at home?
- Is there anything you need?
- Where did you get that cool bracelet?
- Have you thought about what you’ll take next quarter?
- What do you think about the presidential race?
Find one staff member you trust
On college campuses, most staff positions exist to answer your questions. Typically, students think of professors and instructors as resources. But every paid position on campus from janitorial staff to the president exists to serve you, the student. Every one of them has a network on campus that crosses departments. If you have found that you can talk to a maintenance person in your dorm, treat them as your personal consultant. When you have questions about financial aid, your classes, or work study opportunities, ask them for help. They will be able to refer you to someone they trust to answer your questions.