Comments on: 5 Tips for Getting Ahead in College

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:05:56 +0000

I am a college student and I failed all my class my first semester now that I am behind I wanted to know how to regain those lost credit hours. This new school year I am worried about working part time about 30 hours or more a week and going to school I didn’t have a job last year and I still failed some classes now with a job am I going to be able to find time to do both. I know that next summer I am going to have to retake some classes to match up with other students as far as my credits earned. But what are some tips for time as far as a balance between school and work

By: College Spot

College Spot — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:29:36 +0000

Great points. I’d also recommend looking and apply for scholarships for the next semester. Tons out there but most go unseen.

By: liz

liz — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:24:58 +0000

Wow, $40 a week on sandwiches? Most kids say they can’t afford to put money into savings, and they can’t. The ones saying this are NOT the ones blowing all their money on eating out every day. Serious disconnect here.

By: eric

eric — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:30:39 +0000

all good points. all college students should be told this.

By: studenomist

studenomist — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:47:36 +0000

@MyMeans I totally agree with your comment on keeping an eye out for projects at school. One thing that I always do is introduce myself to the professors so that they know who I am and what I am about. I also try to spread the word about what I have to offer. This way if anything ever comes up where the professor requires assistance I will hopefully come to mind.

By: MyMeans

MyMeans — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:28:45 +0000

Good advice. I definitely agree with working during the school year, not only for financial reasons, but it helps you do more while in college. I would also recommend looking for projects/start-ups through clubs, professors, etc. that could be valuable experience or even the next Google. You just have to look and try.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:09:55 +0000

Study abroad! It can be a money saver too: studying for a semester in a developing country can be much cheaper than the equivalent tuition at most US colleges.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:05:46 +0000

Thought I’d share this tip:!

College students looking to study in style and comfort now have a chance to win an ergonomic chair or keyboard tray from leading ergonomic seating manufacturer Neutral Posture, Inc. The company is launching a Facebook promotion inviting college students to share their perspective on why ergonomics is important in the workplace. Each student who posts an answer to the question, “Why Go Ergo?,” on Neutral Posture’s Facebook group wall between August 10-August 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a Neutral Posture 8600 chair or its elementAL keyboard tray

By: Foxie@CarsxGirl

Foxie@CarsxGirl — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:43:30 +0000

I’m trying hard to find a club or organization to join on campus, I’ve heard that it does some good after graduation. Is that true? It’s hard for me to find the time, between the actual schoolwork, work and my other clubs. (I’m a member of two, but no affiliation with the school in any way.)

Sadly, even with me working I’m still piling up the loans. Sorry, but I do want to kind of enjoy my youth while I’ve got it… And the student loans are the only debt I’ve accrued. (Car loan, yes, but to build credit. I could kill it off at any time, if I felt so inclined and was willing to be cash poor for a while.)

All told, I think I’m going to take four and a half years to graduate… Switched majors from chemistry to finance. Yeah, it does make a difference. My advisor changed majors in his third year to something completely different…. Do what you want, don’t settle. College isn’t the time to start making a list of regrets.

By: Christina

Christina — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:06:01 +0000

You can work full time and go to school online or at night too. You will still earn the same degree that you would as a full time student. It isn’t easy but it can be done!

By: frugalscholar

frugalscholar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:23:13 +0000

My son chose a low-cost college. This gave him the freedom to choose volunteer work, low-paying jobs (camp counselor), and travel. He and his pals donate plasma for up to $300.00/month. This pays better than often tedious campus jobs.

My advice: Graduate in 4 years. Don’t change your major! Your major makes little difference in your future. Even art majors can get into med school with organic chemistry and a few other courses.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:33:43 +0000

I saved as much money I could during college and lived as cheaply as possible so I would have money for a down payment on my home. I didn’t miss out on anything and was able to have a fairly sizable chunk of money when I graduated from undergrad.