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| Tips to Avoid the College Low Expectations Game |
 As a parent or a student, you can avoid this game using the following tips:
1) Register for 15 hours.
You know, to graduate in 4 years, not 5 not 6, requires a minimum of 15 hours per semester. When you are having problems securing 15 hours, ask the following question: Since I am earning a 4-year degree, how can I do that only taking 12 hours per semester? In case the university's designated person continues to refuse your request for 15 hours, ask for his or her supervisor. You will save thousands of dollars by being proactive at this time.
2) Secure your BINGO sheet.
After registering, secure a copy of all the required courses that you will need for your field of study. In some universities or colleges, this is called a BINGO sheet. If you are not sure, look through the college course catalog and see what courses are required for your different interests. You should register for those shared required courses.
3) Keep all course schedules and offerings.
All universities publish the schedule of the courses for the next semester. Take into account these publications. With a variety of courses being only offered during the spring or fall, this is the only tool that you have to learn when a specific course is offered or who teaches a course. When you are planning your junior and senior years, keeping these schedules becomes even more critical.
4) Plan your courses now.
Having the BINGO sheet in hand, begin to plan the courses that you will take during the next 3.5 years. For sure, this plan will change due to course changes, degree changes, etc. But this 4-year plan provides you with the "BIG" picture and then allows you to begin to take small bites.
5) Plan Your Weekly Schedule.
Try to plan your weekly schedule including study time, research time, etc. Expect to spend 2 to 4 hours per week for each 3-hour course. There are courses such as English Literature which may require substantial reading. Allow for more reading time if you are a slower reader. In case you are only going to school for 15 hours per week, there is plenty of time to study before, in between and after your classes. A lot of baby boomer graduates worked full time jobs while taking 15 to 18 hours.
6) Focus on Your Graduation Goal Date.
Each additional semester that you spend in college is costing you a minimum of $20,000 - $5,000 tuition and $15,000 in loss earnings. Remember, all of your actions should be directed to achieving your graduate goal date.
7) Make Wise Choices.
Do not forget that you, and only you, are responsible for the choices that you make. Parents should set the expectation that they expect their daughter or son to graduate in 4 years. Children accept that expectation and run with it. If there are any troubles with goal planning and achievement, time management, , studying skills, course content, decision making or problem solving, make a wise choice and find some solutions.
Keep in mind, by graduating in 4 years, you have an edge over those students who chose to play the "Low Expectation Game" and you can start the life that you dreamed only 4 years earlier.
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