SUCCESS IN COLLEGE

I would often receive odd looks when I first met with them by asking them to "Select a Career and a Lifestyle"; however, I explained that by Selecting a Career it will dictate their lifestyle. That question was also turned around by asking "Select a Lifestyle and select a Career".

Explaining the Lifestyle I used open ended questions, such as, "do you want a family, what type of home do you want, do you want children, and other similar questions". The career you choose may not support the lifestyle they have in mind.

I strongly suggested the student explore the "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics" to see the demand for that career and the average wages. Additionally, explore current job opportunities websites in the area you will be living. These sites will list openings, hiring requirements, wages, benefits, duties, and requirements.

I also said "buyer beware". Search the web for what is termed "Degrees in Worthlessness". I cautioned the student about degrees that ended in "Studies".

If a student only sees an advisor in the College Advisor's Office, they will be placed in a "cookie cutter" schedule. Class schedule should be tailored to the student, always.

First Question: "What is your best subject?"

Second Question: "What is your worst subject?

Generally in order, almost all students said Math and then English were their worst subjects. (Note: Many colleges give students placement exams for both Math and English because the majority of class placements are high school level. Classes that begin with 100 or higher count for credits, such as English 101 is 3 credits, whereas, English 091 doesn't count as credit; however, if their test scores are low, they must take the English 091 before they can take 101.

In an Ideal world I would see new perspective students in their last semester of high school on career day.

As far as my advisement, I would strongly discourage students taking any of their worse courses the first semester. If I met with them in their last semester of high school, I encouraged them to take one class in summer school with their favorite and best subject if it was in their degree program. Taking their worst subject in the first semester of college almost always set them up for failure and dropping out.

Taking their best subject in summer school help build their confidence, developed study habits, and time management skills, and exposed them to resources available for their success.

Every year our division met with our industry partners. We always asked them the same question each year. If you have a perspective employee that attended a two-year college and then graduated from a four-year college is that perspective employee scored any lower than another who attended all four years at a four-year college?

The answer was almost always the same, and I quote: "We generally only are concerned about their latest degree and GPA. We will look at say an Assoicate In Applied Sceince (AAS) if it relates to a specialized skill. If the position only calls for an AAS, we don't even look at high school. If they have a Master's Degree, we are not concerned about their Bachelor's Degree unless it applies to the position."

My view may be slanted because I taught at a two-year Community College; however, unless a student had a substantial scholarship to go to a four-year college or they took Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school with a high GPA, I believe all students should attend a two-year college first, even if it is only for a semester and or one year. Higher success rates at four-yeat colleges are better with transfer students. Also a student will save more money by attending a two-year college first.

Does the Degree apply to a Career?

Many two-year degrees are technical and have academic subjects. One of the Degrees in Worthlessness is a degree in Computer Science. What? There is a big demand for people in the computer industry; however, those careers are skill specific such as, programming, networking, database management, and a few other specific skills. A four-year Computer Science Degree is much like many survey courses that teach theory. Most people don't understand that technology (computer careers and 60% skill and 40% business. Many very successful employees obtained a AAS Degree in a technical technology degree and then obtained a Bachelor's Degree in business or management.

Accreditation

Regional Accreditation is a must for colleges and universities. Why? Some colleges and universities don't have Regional Accreditation. You may attend a college or university that is not regionally accredited and receive a degree. Later, you may decide ti obtain a higher degree at another college or university; however, you may discover you classes and degree doesn't transfer. Look on this link and only at the Regional Accreditations.

My advice to my students try to stay away from student loans as much as you can. Young students end up with a reality shock. Try to work part-time jobs. One of my students did a special project to receive extra credit. He proved he could work two shifts per week at a fast food restaurant and pay for all his tuition, books, and lab fees. A staggering 40% of people who has student loans never completed and dropped out. Student loan debt is over 2 TRILLION DOLLARS! Apply for grants and scholarships as many as you can. Be careful where you get training for specific lower-level jobs such as a "Nursing Assistant". Two-year colleges offer the 120 clock hours required for completion; whereas, private schools will charge thousands of dollars.