8 answers
Belmendo
Student
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Question
Asked
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What are three things college students lack and they should improve on?
for example, you could ask them what type of mistakes they commonly do and how they can fix them.
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are several things that I encountered as a college advisor that I can contribute to this question.
1. Campus Navigation. Many students come to campus and do not know where anything is to help them achieve success. Where are the best study locations? Where are the resources I need? Where is my advisor and the hours of operation? Being able to find things is important.
2. Underestimating Time Considerations. Many students do not know time management. They try to work full time and go to school full time and it just does not work. Many dedicate too much time to activities not related to academics and then fall behind and drop out.
3. Choosing the wrong program (Better Judgement). Just because it looks cool on TV does not mean that it is that way in reality. Many people want to be a physician, nurse, or high powered attorney, and it is just not for them. I have seen countless numbers of my students leave occupations, because they just plain hated what they were doing. Subsequently, they went into something they loved to do, and basically dismissed their college major. If they had pursued that earlier, it would have saved them a great amount of time and resources.
So, these are three observations I have witnessed over the past three decades.
1. Campus Navigation. Many students come to campus and do not know where anything is to help them achieve success. Where are the best study locations? Where are the resources I need? Where is my advisor and the hours of operation? Being able to find things is important.
2. Underestimating Time Considerations. Many students do not know time management. They try to work full time and go to school full time and it just does not work. Many dedicate too much time to activities not related to academics and then fall behind and drop out.
3. Choosing the wrong program (Better Judgement). Just because it looks cool on TV does not mean that it is that way in reality. Many people want to be a physician, nurse, or high powered attorney, and it is just not for them. I have seen countless numbers of my students leave occupations, because they just plain hated what they were doing. Subsequently, they went into something they loved to do, and basically dismissed their college major. If they had pursued that earlier, it would have saved them a great amount of time and resources.
So, these are three observations I have witnessed over the past three decades.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Belmendo
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Belmendo, this one's easy. 1. Writing skills. Our society had already become lax when it comes to writing, but with texting college level writing is practically non-existent. You must work on grammar, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation and usage, and avoid abbreviations, slang and just plain carelessness. Everything you write should be double-checked, and not by spellcheck, and then given to someone else to check.
2. Organization skills. One can get by with mediocre organizational skills in high school. In college, with different classes at different times, in different buildings, with different rules and different due dates, it's critical to be organized. Once one falls behind, it's very hard to catch up... which leads to the third big one: 3. Time management skills. One has to do one's best to have a balanced life. That means figuring out how much time is needed for classes, assignments, reading and studying (yes, actual reading and studying), and then how to parcel the rest of your week, with work if applicable, and sufficient sleep, nutrition, relaxation, exercise, hobbies and socializing. It's doable, but school has to be a priority. And of all of the plagues, procrastination is the worst. Start ahead, don't put things off. That's an almost certain ticket to failure. Great question.
2. Organization skills. One can get by with mediocre organizational skills in high school. In college, with different classes at different times, in different buildings, with different rules and different due dates, it's critical to be organized. Once one falls behind, it's very hard to catch up... which leads to the third big one: 3. Time management skills. One has to do one's best to have a balanced life. That means figuring out how much time is needed for classes, assignments, reading and studying (yes, actual reading and studying), and then how to parcel the rest of your week, with work if applicable, and sufficient sleep, nutrition, relaxation, exercise, hobbies and socializing. It's doable, but school has to be a priority. And of all of the plagues, procrastination is the worst. Start ahead, don't put things off. That's an almost certain ticket to failure. Great question.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Belmendo
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Belmendo!
Let's chat about Time Management: It's no secret that one of the biggest hurdles college students face is juggling their time wisely. Balancing academics with extracurriculars, part-time work, and social life can be a real struggle. This often results in putting things off until the last minute and frantic cramming, which can hurt their grades. To tackle this, students should rank their tasks by importance, make a plan or a to-do list, and set aside specific times for studying, going to classes, and other activities. It's also important to learn to say no to distractions and set achievable goals to make the most out of their time.
Next up is Stress Management: College can be a whirlwind, and many students find it hard to handle the stress that comes with academic pressure, social expectations, and personal responsibilities. It's vital for students to learn effective ways to manage stress to keep their mental and emotional health in check. This might mean practicing mindfulness, getting regular exercise, leaning on friends or counselors for support, and knowing when it's time to take a break. By putting self-care first and reaching out when they need help, students can keep their stress levels in check and make their college experience more enjoyable.
Lastly, let's talk about Critical Thinking Skills: This is another area where college students often fall short. Many find it difficult to think critically about information, consider different viewpoints, and think for themselves. To boost their critical thinking skills, students should actively engage with their coursework, take part in class discussions, seek out diverse opinions, and question what they're told. They should also practice problem-solving and decision-making in different situations to develop a more analytical way of thinking. Encouraging students to read a wide range of materials, take part in debates, and look for hands-on learning opportunities can also help them sharpen their critical thinking skills.
In a nutshell, college students often need to work on their time management skills, stress management techniques, and critical thinking abilities. By focusing on these areas, students can improve their academic performance and personal growth during their college years.
Here are the Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Harvard Business Review
2. The Chronicle of Higher Education
3. American Psychological Association
May you be blessed abundantly!
James Constantine Frangos.
Let's chat about Time Management: It's no secret that one of the biggest hurdles college students face is juggling their time wisely. Balancing academics with extracurriculars, part-time work, and social life can be a real struggle. This often results in putting things off until the last minute and frantic cramming, which can hurt their grades. To tackle this, students should rank their tasks by importance, make a plan or a to-do list, and set aside specific times for studying, going to classes, and other activities. It's also important to learn to say no to distractions and set achievable goals to make the most out of their time.
Next up is Stress Management: College can be a whirlwind, and many students find it hard to handle the stress that comes with academic pressure, social expectations, and personal responsibilities. It's vital for students to learn effective ways to manage stress to keep their mental and emotional health in check. This might mean practicing mindfulness, getting regular exercise, leaning on friends or counselors for support, and knowing when it's time to take a break. By putting self-care first and reaching out when they need help, students can keep their stress levels in check and make their college experience more enjoyable.
Lastly, let's talk about Critical Thinking Skills: This is another area where college students often fall short. Many find it difficult to think critically about information, consider different viewpoints, and think for themselves. To boost their critical thinking skills, students should actively engage with their coursework, take part in class discussions, seek out diverse opinions, and question what they're told. They should also practice problem-solving and decision-making in different situations to develop a more analytical way of thinking. Encouraging students to read a wide range of materials, take part in debates, and look for hands-on learning opportunities can also help them sharpen their critical thinking skills.
In a nutshell, college students often need to work on their time management skills, stress management techniques, and critical thinking abilities. By focusing on these areas, students can improve their academic performance and personal growth during their college years.
Here are the Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Harvard Business Review
2. The Chronicle of Higher Education
3. American Psychological Association
May you be blessed abundantly!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thank you, James Constantine!
Belmendo
anahi diaz
54
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
anahi’s Answer
College students often face challenges in these areas
1. Time Management: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be challenging. Developing effective time management skills is crucial for success in college.
2. Financial Literacy: Many students struggle with budgeting and managing finances. Understanding how to budget, save, and handle expenses is essential for a stable financial situation.
3. Self-Care: College life can be stressful, and students may neglect self-care. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being is important for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
1. Time Management: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be challenging. Developing effective time management skills is crucial for success in college.
2. Financial Literacy: Many students struggle with budgeting and managing finances. Understanding how to budget, save, and handle expenses is essential for a stable financial situation.
3. Self-Care: College life can be stressful, and students may neglect self-care. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being is important for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Belmendo!
Here are a few:
1. Work/fun balance: The issue with this can go either way. Some people work too much and get burnt out. Others do not work enough and get really bad grades. It is important to balance these two aspects of your life when in college.
2. Organization: A lot of college students just need to get a planner. There are so many events and assignments, they are hard to keep track of when they are just in your head.
3. Spending: Many college students spend until they are all out of money. Just because it is in your account does not mean you need to use it. College students need to learn how to budget and save a little bit for their future.
Here are a few:
1. Work/fun balance: The issue with this can go either way. Some people work too much and get burnt out. Others do not work enough and get really bad grades. It is important to balance these two aspects of your life when in college.
2. Organization: A lot of college students just need to get a planner. There are so many events and assignments, they are hard to keep track of when they are just in your head.
3. Spending: Many college students spend until they are all out of money. Just because it is in your account does not mean you need to use it. College students need to learn how to budget and save a little bit for their future.
Brandon Olson
Tax Manager
52
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Here's a friendly guide on three aspects college students might struggle with, and some tips to get better:
Mastering Time Management:
Oopsie-daisy: Waiting until the last minute and not managing time well can result in missed deadlines, extra stress, and a dip in grades.
How to Fix it: Let's encourage students to use handy tools like diaries or apps to plan their tasks and assignments. Chopping up big tasks into smaller, doable chunks can make them seem less scary. Plus, suggesting the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused bursts with little breaks) can boost productivity.
Building Effective Study Habits:
Oopsie-daisy: A lot of students find it hard to study effectively, falling into traps like passive reading, last-minute cramming, or trying to do too many things at once, which can mess up long-term memory of the material.
How to Fix it: Let's promote active learning methods, like putting information into their own words, explaining concepts to others, and making flashcards for self-testing. Let's also encourage them to find a study spot that suits them and to have regular review sessions instead of cramming the night before exams.
Gaining Financial Literacy:
Oopsie-daisy: College students often run into money troubles due to not budgeting, spending too much, or racking up unnecessary debt.
How to Fix it: Let's offer resources or workshops on budgeting, financial planning, and understanding credit. Let's encourage students to make a realistic budget that covers all expenses, to put needs before wants, and to look for ways to save money, like buying second-hand textbooks or cooking at home. Let's stress the importance of building a good credit score and steering clear of unnecessary debt.
Mastering Time Management:
Oopsie-daisy: Waiting until the last minute and not managing time well can result in missed deadlines, extra stress, and a dip in grades.
How to Fix it: Let's encourage students to use handy tools like diaries or apps to plan their tasks and assignments. Chopping up big tasks into smaller, doable chunks can make them seem less scary. Plus, suggesting the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused bursts with little breaks) can boost productivity.
Building Effective Study Habits:
Oopsie-daisy: A lot of students find it hard to study effectively, falling into traps like passive reading, last-minute cramming, or trying to do too many things at once, which can mess up long-term memory of the material.
How to Fix it: Let's promote active learning methods, like putting information into their own words, explaining concepts to others, and making flashcards for self-testing. Let's also encourage them to find a study spot that suits them and to have regular review sessions instead of cramming the night before exams.
Gaining Financial Literacy:
Oopsie-daisy: College students often run into money troubles due to not budgeting, spending too much, or racking up unnecessary debt.
How to Fix it: Let's offer resources or workshops on budgeting, financial planning, and understanding credit. Let's encourage students to make a realistic budget that covers all expenses, to put needs before wants, and to look for ways to save money, like buying second-hand textbooks or cooking at home. Let's stress the importance of building a good credit score and steering clear of unnecessary debt.
Sharon Mei
Consultant
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
Let's reframe this question in a more positive light: instead of focusing on what college students may lack, let's shine a spotlight on the common traits found among the most successful college students. It's a much cheerier perspective, don't you think? :)
From my personal experience, I've noticed three key qualities that repeatedly surface in those who truly flourish during their college years and later on in their careers. These individuals not only succeed academically and professionally, but they also thoroughly enjoy their college experience:
1. A spirit of adventure and curiosity - College is an incredibly special and exciting time (just thinking about it makes me feel nostalgic!). It's a stage in life when you're presented with a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn far beyond what you initially thought possible. My advice? Grab hold of these opportunities as they arise. Sign up for a course in a subject you've never thought about before. Opt for a semester abroad to soak up the culture of a country you've never been to. Join a club or a sports team that you enjoy, even if you don't consider yourself a pro. Make sure to give yourself the freedom and time to explore all the possibilities that college has to offer.
2. Time management skills - Balancing your time between studying, completing coursework, and enjoying the myriad of fulfilling experiences college has to offer can be a challenge. However, it's crucial to strike the right balance in how you spend your time.
3. A readiness to seek out mentors - Looking back, I wish I had invested more in building relationships with my professors and other supportive adults on campus. They're all there to help you succeed. You're already on the right track by using CareerVillage as a resource! Try to find some one-on-one time with a professor who teaches a course you love, or reach out to someone who's currently working in a field you're interested in. Don't be shy - people are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand!
From my personal experience, I've noticed three key qualities that repeatedly surface in those who truly flourish during their college years and later on in their careers. These individuals not only succeed academically and professionally, but they also thoroughly enjoy their college experience:
1. A spirit of adventure and curiosity - College is an incredibly special and exciting time (just thinking about it makes me feel nostalgic!). It's a stage in life when you're presented with a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn far beyond what you initially thought possible. My advice? Grab hold of these opportunities as they arise. Sign up for a course in a subject you've never thought about before. Opt for a semester abroad to soak up the culture of a country you've never been to. Join a club or a sports team that you enjoy, even if you don't consider yourself a pro. Make sure to give yourself the freedom and time to explore all the possibilities that college has to offer.
2. Time management skills - Balancing your time between studying, completing coursework, and enjoying the myriad of fulfilling experiences college has to offer can be a challenge. However, it's crucial to strike the right balance in how you spend your time.
3. A readiness to seek out mentors - Looking back, I wish I had invested more in building relationships with my professors and other supportive adults on campus. They're all there to help you succeed. You're already on the right track by using CareerVillage as a resource! Try to find some one-on-one time with a professor who teaches a course you love, or reach out to someone who's currently working in a field you're interested in. Don't be shy - people are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand!
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Belmendo,
- Writing skills
- Mathematics
- Critical thinking skills
- Organisational skills
- Time management
KP
- Writing skills
- Mathematics
- Critical thinking skills
- Organisational skills
- Time management
KP