Be Aware of Obstacles to Success
First, let’s ask: What kinds of typical situations contribute to poor academic performance? What are the leading causes of low GPAs?
- Under-preparation – Whether you’re fresh out of high school or haven’t been there for 10 or 20 years, inadequate academic preparation is likely to affect achievement in college. You can’t undo the past. But you can compensate by being well-informed about the rigors of your courses and your academic program of study.
- Course overload – Being ambitious often translates to an overwhelming credit load.
- Lack of self-discipline – The sudden increase of freedom combined with shaky time-management skills can translate to disorganized study habits.
- Sleep deprivation – A 1997 study of Stamford University undergraduates revealed that 80 percent were “dangerously sleep-deprived.”
- Poor nutrition – Junk food, fast food, whatever you call it – stuff high in caffeine, sugar, fats, and refined carbohydrates just won’t fuel your brain properly.
- Alcohol and drugs – Aside from the well-known dangers to health and safety, irresponsible substance use causes big-time brain fog and brain drain.
- Extracurricular activities – Too much of a good thing can backfire. Many college students who get overly involved in extracurricular activities suffer sleep deprivation, get sleepy during the day, and have less time to devote to studying. The result? Negative effects on academic performance.
References:
Dement, William C. “Sleepless at Stanford: What All Undergraduates Should Know About How Their Sleeping Lives Affect Their Waking Lives.” Stanford University enter of Excellence for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders. Sept. 1997
“Sleep Deprivation More Likely In College Students Involved In Extracurricular Activities.” Medical News Today. 11 June 2008