College Success and Goal Setting

This chapter discusses how to start strong in college, academic professionalism, the usefulness of the course text, the importance of positivity and hope, understanding personal values, dreams, and goals, and developing goals to achieve those dreams.

Many students falsely believe that brainpower alone guarantees success in college.
Traits necessary for success are often learned, not innate.

Multiple factors impact college success; students should assess themselves in areas such as:
- Adaptability: Thriving in new environments and enjoying change.
- Attitude: Maintaining a positive attitude towards education, motivation, and confidence.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding oneself and behavior in relation to others.
- Class Attendance: Regular attendance as a major predictor of college success.
- Study Habits: Spending sufficient time studying until the material is understood.
- Note-Taking Skills: Developing comprehensive note-taking skills and reviewing notes after class.
- Academic Support Services: Utilizing campus resources like tutors or learning centers.
- Personal Support System: Having supportive family and friends.
- Faculty Connections: Building relationships with professors and attending office hours.
- Campus Connection: Participating in campus events to connect with the community.
- Time Management Skills: Effectively managing time to complete important tasks.
- Money Management Skills: Managing finances to avoid debt and overworking.
A score of 60 or higher on the self-assessment indicates good preparedness for college.

Cutting Classes: Attending every class session is advantageous; cutting class is a predictor of poor performance.
Overloading: Taking too many classes in the first semester can cause serious stress.
Overmedia-ing: Spending excessive time on social media detracts from studying; balance media use with schoolwork.
Procrastinating: Avoid waiting until the last minute to work on assignments; manage stress levels with regular upkeep.
Going It Alone: Utilize instructors' office hours and build relationships with them; instructors want to help students.

Academic professionalism involves behaviors that are valuable in college and future careers.
Displaying academic professionalism is crucial for success.

Do not just pile on: Don't procrastinate and leave everything to the last minute.
Choose to go to class: Make attending class a priority.
Don’t be an ostrich: Don't ignore problems or challenges in your academic life.
Show respect: Treat instructors and classmates with courtesy.
Know the rules: Be familiar with academic policies and procedures.
Take charge: Take initiative in your learning and academic responsibilities.
Invest enough time: Dedicate sufficient time to studying and coursework.
Learn to work in groups: Develop effective collaboration skills.
Check your e-mail regularly: Stay informed about important announcements and communications.
Engage! Actively participate in class and show interest in the material.

Multitasking limits focus and hurts the brain's ability to learn.
Multitasking can lower IQ by 10 points when distracted by email or phone calls.
It causes extra stress and wastes time due to the need to constantly “reboot” attention.
Technology should improve life, not dominate it.
A computer’s interruption technologies are a major impediment to concentration.

Wandering, or exploring, can be beneficial but finding direction early can be motivating.

Positivity can be trained and leads to better performance, creativity, productivity, and engagement.

Jot down three things you are grateful for.
Write a positive message to someone in your social support network.
Meditate at your desk for two minutes.
Exercise for 10 minutes.
Take two minutes to describe the most meaningful experience of the past twenty-four hours.

Know that you always have choices, regardless of background or academic record.
Take responsibility for your own outcomes, rather than blaming others.
Convert turning points into learning points by analyzing failures and learning from them.
Choose your words carefully, avoiding negative language like “cannot” or “will not.”
Fill your mind with positive messages and role models.
Remember that negative experiences can be great teachers, offering lessons in personal growth.
Offer help without expecting something in return.
Acknowledge your blessings and practice gratitude.