7 Tips To Avoid the College Low Expectations Game

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).

---

Packing for College

Sending a child away for college and helping them pack... Read More

Academia Fraud and Brain Washing Cartels

Many have a tough time listening to the scientists debate... Read More

Free Money For College

What if someone came up to you and offered you... Read More

Aurel Voiculescu Memories From High School

High School Ion Minulescu, Slatina, Graduates 1991.Clasa XII A, Baboi... Read More

Distance Education is Now Training the Next Genertation of Medical Assistants

Some people are calling it distance-free learning for the Medical... Read More

Study More Effectively

If you are studying for an exam or if you... Read More

CRI Releases Its 2003-2004 College Graduate Survey

Upper Saddle River, N.J. - May 2004 - Compensation Resources,... Read More

Oxford Student Convicted of Child Pornography Offenses

An Oxford student has been convicted of downloading child pornography... Read More

Get Your College Degree Online

Have you long wanted or needed to increase your level... Read More

Hidden College Costs: Roommate Conflict

Parents, if you're already reeling from the costs of today's... Read More

Financial Aid for Online Education

You've made the decision to pursue your degree online and... Read More

College Low Expectations Game Cost Students, Parents, & Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars

During a recent conversation with a client, he shared with... Read More

What Makes A Penn State Online Degree Preferable To Other Online Degrees?

A Penn State online degree is a college degree from... Read More

Higher Education as Service Trade Exporter In South Africa

IntroductionWhilst it is recognized that South Africa is still in... Read More

Prepping for the new SAT I

On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country... Read More

How to Survive First Year Engineering

So you just got accepted in your engineering program?joy, but... Read More

Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote

The problem with student and any small move comes when... Read More

Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School

In case you hadn't noticed, career colleges aren't just for... Read More

College Entertainment for Less

Most of these activities are free or very cheap:* Campus... Read More

Graduation Quotations - Top 35

"Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn... Read More

Accredited Online Universities ? Getting Good Grades

Taking distance education courses requires more motivation and self discipline... Read More

Building Interaction Into Your Online Course

You've already decided that you're ready to author online and... Read More

Looking For a Rewards Program That Offers Free Money for College Students?

With the rising cost of books, tuition and housing, it's... Read More

Online Education: 57 Leading Institutions

Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before... Read More

How to eMail Your Professor

So its 12:30 Pm and there you are at the... Read More

Business and Academia!

The driving factor of any university is to make the... Read More

How Parents Can Help Allieviate The Stress of Getting Into College

Getting into college is a stressful experience for most high... Read More

Why are Some Online Degree Colleges Better than Others?

Any student who is on the lookout for online degree... Read More

Acing the SAT Exam

Don't cheat. This goes without saying for 999 out of... Read More

Online Education and Digital Divide

Digital Education is really coming along thanks to the US... Read More

Marketing Students: 5 Guidelines For Your Final Paper

Get motivated! ('Why do I write this paper?")This is a... Read More

Distance Learning: Balancing Your Education and Busy Lifestyle

Distance Learning is a priority for most who have already... Read More

Online Paralegal Degree Preparing You For Employment

In an era when professional opportunities are diminishing, one area... Read More