how can i prepare for college mentally?

Question

I am starting the spring semester at my local college, and i am scared i will drop out like i did in fall semester. Unfortunally i had to pick my job over college in fall, but this time i can't drop out or i will never get finacial aid. I have attended all of the re-entry classes. I have changed my job around so that i can go to school and work. I keep telling myself i will do good, and won't drop out for nothing, unless its a life emergency. I guess i have the college gitters. Any suggestions on how to get past worrying about not doing well at college?

Answer 1

i have been through this before, here's what seems to work for me:
1. remind yourself why you are going to college
2. take at least one interesting course at a time
3. make every effort to take classes that are hard for you in the class vs. independent study or on line
4. read, read, read this summer. it will help you mind adjust back to reading, and improve your reading pace. if you know your major, or classes you will have to take along the way, pick up books at the library with related topics. go in with knowledge built up
5. talk to supportive people

best of luck, it is worth it in the end.

Answer 2

Remind yourself that other people have done it.

Committment to college work is tough, because of the time and deadlines involved---there is always a tension over this, and an anticipation (and, a dread of disaster!)
Calm down---again, remind yourself that millions have gotten through the courses, and that you can too. Because of the 1st semester problems, just forget your GPA, and concentrate on the classes in front of you. Think of NOTHING ELSE until your final exams are over. During semester breaks, really relax and do different things mentally so you will be ready for the next set of courses.
Get out a year-calendar and schedule things on it, as your tests are assigned, and when your finals are. Look at your semester visually. Try to balance what time and effort you will spend on each subject. Read ahead in all your texts. During lectures, FOCUS completely on what the professor says and assigns. Don't spin your wheels guessing -- ask about crucial details you need about tests and assignments. Realize that you only have so much time, and put off partying until after finals.
Compartmentalize your job mentally, away from your class work. College is your future, and must rule your thoughts for the next 4 years. You are learning to think in a new way, and it's hard work.

Answer 3

Not to sound corny, but, it sounds like you've already done the hard part. Changing your work schedule to allow you to continue school, and making the choice to continue with college is much harder than actually doing it.

From this point, get in to a schedule, and keep to it. That means, try to keep partying out of the picture. Try to not go on road trips, try not to skip any classes unless you have no other option. Once you are in the habit of doing this, just keep to it, and it wont seem like any issue at all. If you start skipping class, or going random places, or changing your work schedule, you are going to start having a hard time again. You'll start getting in to the bad habits that usually end up with dropping out.

One day at a time. One class at a time. Just focus on what you are doing, and not what may or may not happen in the future.

Answer 4

Find a group of friends maybe different ones from different classes who are highly motivated to succeed. Go to all of your classes, do all of your readings and get your assignments in on time. Do not get caught up with drugs and alcohol. You will do fine.