what do you believe are the chief reasons for students academic failure in college?

Question

what do you believe are the chief reasons for students academic failure in college?

Answer 1

Lack of motivation
Disinterested in subject matter
drugs/alcohol
Financial issues
Personal Problems (mental and physical health)
They just don't care about school or their future
they have no mentor

Answer 2

I agree with many of the posters. There is not one, simple answer for all students.

Many are simply unprepared academically. They were not challenged in high school, are poor writers, did not develop critical thinking skills and have no idea how to manage their time. And since there is no one telling them to study OR go to class, many times they just don't. It isn't only the party animal who neglects their work. Many students just find themselves quickly overwhelmed by the amount of reading and writing that is required by their classes. And since there are often large blocks of free time during the day, they take time off instead of doing their school work. Then at night, they want to watch TV, visit with dorm mates, etc.

And, in most cases, the college/university doesn't really care if the student is floundering. Getting students through 4+ years is not really their responsibility. In larger schools, the professors don't even know their students' names. And even in the smaller, private schools where there are only 15-20 students in most classes, you will encounter professors who don't connect with their students.

In order to succeed in college, a student has to be self-motivated and have a good grounding in academics--or be willing to seek help when they need it. And family support is important. But parents should not try to interfere and become 'helicoptor' parents, constantly hovering and calling the administration about perceived slights.

Answer 3

Immaturity. A lot of students start off college thinking that this is an extension of high school without parental supervision. They start doing a lot of stuff that would have gotten them in trouble at home. Then they find out that those behaviors will get them in trouble even without mom and pop. Poor grades, visits to the dean's office, financial aid threatening to cut off funding if the grades don't improve, etc., etc. Typical college graduation rate is only about 40%. The rest either learn too late or give up.

Answer 4

If you can get into college you can complete it. Most of us need some realistic goal that we can genuinely seek. Unfortunately, when we enter college many times the "goal" of graduation has been set by parents or society and we have difficulty appreciating the significance of that goal. So we choose alternate goals, like partying, or substance abuse or whatever. But this is really the answer to almost any question of this sort...if we genuinely believe in and seek a specific goal, we will move toward that goal. That doesn't mean we necessarily reach the goal, only that we are motivated (actually self-motivated) to seek the goal.

Answer 5

Study stills that are not proper in college and procrastination. Inadequate course preparation, students not seeking tutoring in certain subjects (math, English, etc.) and low college admissions test (SAT, ACT, etc.) in high school are another reasons why student is not successful academically in collegiate-level courses. A student planning on going to college must have show great grades in 4 units (years) of English, 4 units of mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus, etc.), 3-4 units of science (biology, chemistry, physics, and other advanced science courses), 4 units of social studies (history, geography, government, etc.) and plenty of units of advanced electives (arts, humanities, CATE courses, etc.) that focuses on college preparation and proper study skills for collegiate-level classes. Beginning with the 2008-2009, students entering high school should take similar classes in order to prepare for college as well as vocational/trade/technical school.

Also, more partying and less studying (spending time on academics) and spending time on other things is a serious problem.

Answer 6

I know for a fact that the primary reason is kids don't study. The reason they don't study is that High School no longer prepares them for College. High School is just a repeat of Junior High School. So most kids do not have to study to pass high school, they can screw around all year then study for 2 minutes pass the final test and move on to the next grade. So when these kids go to College they think it will be like High School. They are in for a rude awaking because in College you have to study, the Professors don't care if you pass or fail, they don't care if you come to class, and unlike High School you will fail in College. Of course the secondary reason is kids are out on their own and it gets the best of them, but this usually only applies to the freshman.

Answer 7

Lack of family support. Most students get fed to the wolves when they leave for college for whatever reason. All through grade school you have someone to remind them about everything and then they go to college and are left to figure things out for themselves. Students are suddenly flung into adulthood with financial responsibilities and making the grade. It is to much to soon for those who fail.

Answer 8

Striving too hard to get an A in Beer Bong 101.

Going to watch the Dead give a free concert on the Green instead of doing your Caculus homework.

Examining girls for lumps and giving pelvic exams when you are a Business Major.

Answer 9

Lack of interest in the subject matter. Distractions from proper studying be they academic meaning they are spending more time studying other things or social. Meaning they are partying too much.

Answer 10

My problem was partying and drinking it up every night. I also failed to go to class! But I am really smart, even when I tried I still failed. I failed english 1101 3 times. I AM PASSING IT NOW!!! YAY!! but, I was VERY nervous, not a good test taker. I had an anxiety problem, I had to take special tests and the teachers had to provide me with extra information and things. I know it makes me sound retarded, but once they started helping me I MADE ALL A's and HIGH A's at that! So.. anxiety is a HUGE problem!