A workshop that covers some basic tips and ideas on how to succeed in college.

1. The Keys to College
Success:
What Every Student Needs to Know

2. High School vs. College
• There are many difference between high school and college.
Because of these differences, students often find the
transition to be very challenging.
• 1 out of 3 students who enter college does not complete his
or her freshman year.
*BCTC-68.5% retained from fall to spring 11-12
• The real key to success is understanding the differences and
creating a strategy for success that works for you.
• The problem is that many students never figure out what
works for them.

3. Important differences
• The academic work is more difficult, you will probably need
to study 2 to 3 hours for each class hour.
High School
College
Time spent in class Time spent in class
Time spent
studying outside of
class
Time spent
studying outside of
class

4. Important differences
• Tests in college classes are given less frequently and cover
more information.
• You are going to have to be an independent learner in
college.
• College is not simply a continuation of high school. It is a
new experience that requires you to approach success in
new ways right from day one.

5. Keys to Success Overview
1. Why College?
2. What You Think You Need To Know
3. What You Really Need To Know

6. Why Is College Important
• Education Opens Doors-the more education you get, the more
choices and opportunities you will have. More options often lead
to greater success and happiness in life.
• Education allows you to choose your career-it allows you to
choose a career that interest you and will enable you to achieve
your dreams.
• Education expands your mind-it exposes you to a variety of
people, topics and experiences.
• Education improves your life-research shows that college
graduates tend to be healthier and have higher rates of
satisfaction in many areas of life.
• Education increases your earning potential-college graduates can
earn as much as $1 million more in their lifetime!

7. What You Think You Need To Know
To Be Successful
• ??
• Go to class
• Study
• Take good notes
• Set goals
• Balance school & life
• Finances
• All of these are important but there are few
things that are even more crucial.

8. What You Really Need To Know
To Be Successful
• Take Control-You are responsible for your education and for your
success!
• Go to Class-Whether your class is in-person, online or a
combination class attendance should be a priority throughout the
semester.
• Put in the work-Study more--not less than you think you need to
be successful. Tutoring should be a regular part of your academic
activity, schedule study/tutoring time as if it were another class.
• Connect with others
 Instructors-Get to know your instructors and let them get to know you.
Meet with your teachers before you start having problems.
 Campus Resources-Know where to go if you need help, examples
include SSS, DSS, Tutoring, Career Development & Counseling, Learning
Resource Centers, etc.
 Other Students-Research shows that one of the most significant factors
in college success for first generation college students is studying alone!
Connect with other students to form study groups, share notes or eat
lunch. It will make a difference in your success!

9. What You Really Need To Know To
Be Successful
• College is hard work and completing college is even more
challenging but it can be done!
• You will need to be resilient to acclimate to the differences
between high school and college as well as to overcome the
challenges that are part of the college experience.
• Plan to succeed and don’t allow setbacks to derail your
academic goals!