Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

It’s a widely held belief in higher education (among those who study such things) that the majority of students who are unsuccessful in college are not unsuccessful for academic reasons.  Those students’ GPA’s, might suggest differently, but you’ll see what I mean in a second.  Most are unsuccessful for what I call “social” reasons.  Not social in a partying sense, although that can be a part of it.  But social in terms of interacting with their new environment, dealing with the people, places, situations, and responsibilities of a college student.  It all boils down to one simple thing – making decisions, and making the right ones!

It’s usually clear what we’re supposed to do.  We’re supposed to drive the speed limit, and we’re not supposed to steal or hurt other people...  It’s the people who do the right things that stay out of trouble and avoid the problems they can.  College students know they’re supposed to go to class every day. They know they’re not supposed to drink four beers at a time through a funnel! They know they’re supposed to study two hours for every hour they’re in class. They know staying up all night and cramming are not the best ways to study. They know they’re not supposed to download pirated music and movies…  It’s choosing to do the right thing that’s difficult!

What students have trouble with is when they have to choose between something fun and what they know they should do.  It’s tough for them to delay gratification, too!

Students, you need to know that you’ll be making LOTS of decisions about all kinds of things at college.  Some you’ll be ready for, some you won’t.  What you should do is think about the predictable issues you know you’ll have to make decisions about, and decide how you’ll them.  You won’t have to go to class if you don’t want to – does that mean you’ll go, or not?  You’ll be exposed to drugs and alcohol – does that mean you’ll use or abuse them, or shun those who do?  You’ll be interrupted while studying with invitations to any number of activities.  Will you go do the activities or stay and study?

The reasons you did or didn’t do things in high school – because you were expected to, because your parents would kill you otherwise, etc. – won’t be there in college.  You will be making your own decisions.  Your ability to make the right decisions – the ones that are right for you, that you can live with, that help you reach your goals – will go a long way toward determining your success in college, and beyond.

Parents… help your student by coming up with examples of situations and decisions to be made.  Help them identify the kinds of decisions they’ll have to make later, so they’ll be ready.

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