Academic probation, intended as a simple corrective measure, can oftentimes feel like punishment or failure to a college student. A student gets put on academic probation when their GPA falls below their institution’s or financial aid requirements. This “corrective measure” acts as a warning to students that it’s time to buckle down and get back on track. Although, it’s not uncommon for it to lead to panic, stress and can sometimes railroad a student into suspension or worse: dropping out. In fact, 28 percent of those who drop out of college, do so because of academic disqualification.
Another statistic to be aware of is, at a four-year institution there is a 20 percent chance a first year student will be put on academic probation. No doubt, the statistics seem grim, but we’re here to tell you that it’s not too late and academic recovery is possible with the right resources and support system.
Your first inclination might be to panic; but before you do it’s important to know that being placed on academic probation is not the same as an academic dismissal. When a student is placed on academic probation, they are typically given a semester to demonstrate academic progress and prove that they can be successful in the college environment. This “demonstration” will often mean they need to increase their GPA by a certain amount, pass all of their future courses, and basically meet any other requirements the school deems academically necessary. If the semester goes by with no improvement, academic suspension or dismissal is eminent.
Can Academic Probation Affect Financial Aid?
With most forms of financial aid, being in good academic standing is mandatory and failing to do so can lead to some or all of the financial aid being rescinded. For many students, this could mean having to drop-out of school. Students can regain their financial aid though hard work in their studies, even so they might have to appeal to their school. Talk with your academic advisor or the financial aid office to determine their requirements and appeals process.
1. They are Academically Unprepared
High school courses failed to push them and the college workload is overwhelming and insurmountable.
2. Skip too Many Classes
Newfound freedom works against them. Freshman have never been made to hold themselves accountable and since parents aren’t notified when their son / daughter skips and professors can’t enforce attendance, it’s easy for them to slip into bad habits.
3. Poor Study Habits
Many freshman have never had to develop good study habits. High school may not have challenged them, it’s also possible they became too reliant on family for guidance.
4. Trouble Balancing School & Social
Even in this new era of Coronavirus, socialization can play a key part in a student’s lack of focus and effort. Partying is a reality of college but too much has its consequences.
5. Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Being homesick, acclimating to the heaping workloads, making new friends – it’s a lot for a young adult to overcome. Those that struggle with adjusting to their new environment may see declining academic performance.
6. Lack of Interest in Classes
Not all courses are going to be interesting, staying on task and remaining motivated in a dull class take effort that some students neglect to put forth.
7. Signing Up for too Many or too Few Classes
Both can cause problems, too many can be overwhelming and lead to one or all your grades suffering, too few might be against your school’s requirements. Typically, a certain number of credits is mandated per term. Be careful of dropping a course mid-term, as this could put you under required limit.
Students of all academic abilities can benefit from an academic coach, but those that have been put on academic probation often find our services especially transformative. At Academic Coaching Specialists our individualized program is designed to support students through goal setting, structure, support, and accountability. We focus specifically on aiding in the development of essential skills such as time management, study habits, test taking, utilizing campus resources, and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Our proven approach, instills confidence, improves GPA and gives students the tools they need to rebound from academic probation and remain in good academic standing. For more information about academic coaching, contact us today.
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