[Jentage]

Hey...I was wondering if there are any college dropouts here on soompi..

Well uhm, i have already started my 1st year of college and I am afraid that I may not even get by the 1st year. I am turning 18 in about 2 weeks and my mom was telling me if I can't even manage to have a 3.2 GPA I should just quit, and find a job and work for 4 to 5 years and go back to college later when I feel bored of work.

I am slacking off a lot. I barely read any of the assigned books and primarily used up my time playing games, relaxing, watching tv etc. Yes, I know I make horrible decisions. How can I stop the video games and the entertainment around me? It's just too hard to avoid.

I don't even know what I want to major in. My head isn't really focused yet, which it should be. I feel so sad for myself and for letting my parents down already. I really don't know what to do.

If there are any college dropouts here, can u give me some suggestions or tell me about what decisions you made? Man I can't even find a job. So it's basically a lose/lose situation for me.

I don't know what to do with my life. I am so useless. My physique isn't that great either. I am very small and thin. So any job requiring physical labor will most likely be a no for me.

Well, feel free to drop your input here. I am so disappointed with myself.

[dON^_^]

I'm not a college dropout, but are you going to a community college? If so, you are saving money since you don't know what you want to major in and the first 2 years are mainly general education courses. The easiest thing to do is to just uninstall games on your PC and if you play console games, just unplug them and give it to your parents. That way you don't know where they hid the stuff lol.

If that is too much and you want to keep it there, but limit playing time. Just go to the school library to do your homework since you'll force yourself to do your homework and study for upcoming tests and quizzes.

[SouthernBelle82]

My brother is just now going back to college and he seems to be doing okay handling everything. College isn't for everyone and that's okay. Just find what's best for you. And I have classmates whether now or in the past who are way in their adult years and have kids in junior high or high school. And it can be hard when you're not sure of your major or any sort of path.

I'm not a college dropout, but are you going to a community college? If so, you are saving money since you don't know what you want to major in and the first 2 years are mainly general education courses. The easiest thing to do is to just uninstall games on your PC and if you play console games, just unplug them and give it to your parents. That way you don't know where they hid the stuff lol.

If that is too much and you want to keep it there, but limit playing time. Just go to the school library to do your homework since you'll force yourself to do your homework and study for upcoming tests and quizzes.

My brother and I are doing community school now and it's really fine. I like the small class rooms and the classes are the same as at a university. It's also a good bit cheaper too. I usually do about three classes each term so I have enough time to study and do assignments and have a little free time as well. I try to do classes that aren't too busy at once. For me what helps is keeping a schedule of what I'm going to do through the day with studying and whatnot. It's helped me a lot.

[StephyT]

Just because you're 18 doesn't mean you should go to college. Everyone is different, and some people don't even go college until their late 20's or even 30's.

If you don't want to go to school, I think you should take a semester off and see how you feel. Would you rather work for a few years, and go back? Or just not go at all? And if you can't handle being a full time student, then maybe try part time at a community college. It'll save you a lot of money, and there's less stress than a state university.
Also, I think you feel the way you do about school because of your self esteem. you say that you're useless so of course that's how you'll act. You need to be positive about what you do in life, not just college. And even if you don't know what major you want to pursue, there's always general education courses. Just take those first before settling down on a major. Even after you graduate, you can always go back to school and get another degree.

Instead of dropping school altogether, I suggest just taking 1-3 general education courses at a community college. And also work on that self-esteem so you feel better about yourself. If you feel better, you'll do better in college. Good luck!

[<3goesDOKIDOKI]

college is a hard transition for most people their first year.
you should know that its ok to not know what you want to do yet.
thats the whole point. you're trying to take courses in subjects you're interested in and finding out
even people around you who "know" what they want to major in will most likely at least switch majors once.

don't be discouraged and try talking to a counselor at school.
i know that school isn't for everyone... but before considering dropping out or taking a few years off of school, really really think about it.
these days a lot of jobs require at least a bachelors degree, and if you want to get paid more a master's degree.
with the recession going on, a lot of people are already going back for a graduate degree. it just sets the bar higher and higher.

i have more to say on this so if you're interested you can PM me.

[simnie]

I consider myself practically a dropout since I was put on academic probation and on the brink of getting suspension from the college--but I never gave them that chance. I quit!

Well, I was just like you, I graduated at 17 and started college, community college(because that's the way to go! ^.-)--and did horribly. I had no direction in life, and games took up most of my time; it felt terrible. I've tried uninstalling games, cutting down game time, thinking positively and just trying to enjoy going to school. It wasn't working. Then I realized what the problem was--I was taking GE courses. The same boring highschool classes ALL OVER AGAIN! Plus the fact that I had no clue what I wanted to do which definately did not help to motivate me. When asked what I was majoring in, I really wouldn't have an answer, and it embarassed me. I felt like I had disappointed my parents tremendously. I was told by many that 'it will come to you'--well let me tell you, after 3 years of heading towards no direction in particular and failing the GE courses not because I didn't understand the material--I understood it perfectly, but because I couldn't handle sitting in a classroom learning the same boring things over again, it really did come to me.

One, of the many customers who have spoken to me about not having a major or direction in life said to me, "Don't worry about it, once you find what you want to do, it will all fall into place. " Sure, at first I thought, yeah well, he hasn't seen my grades yet and how I had pretty much ruined my transcript, he wouldn't be saying that if he did. And then one day--I was having another one of the same conversations I have had with my boyfriend many times over about: feeling like a loser, having no direction in life, disappointing my parents, and feeling...trapped/stuck in life. He asked me why not pick up Interior Design; the question left me perplexed. Why not? The thought had not even come to my mind that I would want to major in anything that was remotely related to interior design, and yet, then and there, I realized that interior design was something I've had a passion for since a child until this very day. Something that I loved so deeply, yet had absolutely no knowledge that such a strong passion for this particular field existed in me.

Let me tell you--everything did fall into place. The feeling was phenomenal. I found a school that offered a bachelors degree in interior design, applied to the school right away and got accepted. I had never felt such excitement and eagerness to start school before. The best part? I didn't have to take enormous amounts of GE courses. Sure I still have to take some; but I actually get to take courses related to my field of study now instead of being bombarded with pure GE courses the first 2 years! All of a sudden, I knew what I had to do and I knew exactly how to do it.

So really--it will come to you, and when it does, everything will fall into place.

College isn't for everyone, I definately agree. But you know what? It doesn't hurt to find out. I suggest you stay in college for a bit and think of it not as a means to an end, but as a learning experience to expose you to what your passion may be. Sure, take random courses that you've never thought of but think you can bear for a semester or so, maybe one of the most profound, preposterous professions will work for you, and you will be astounded. Do not count your time. I don't mean completely lose track of time--just don't think of college now as a waste of time, but a learning experience.

That's really about all I can say--feel free to PM me with any questions!

[wigglelin]

Hi THere!

I know exactly how you feel...seriously.

My first year of college was horrible as well.
Let me tell you something though, there are plenty of people out there that never do good in their first years as well.
I got an academic probation and I was really scared, but then I talked to a few people and they also said that got a letter too saying that they were on academic probation. To clear that, the next semester I just took an easy class and got a good grade and that cleared it! I was no longer on academic probation.

I'd have to say, failing like your first year is sooo the norm. Sometimes it's a good thing that you screw up ur first year...'cause then it just makes you more determined to try a little harder each yr.
Don't be scared and give college a few more semesters and see how it goes. I think if you give up now, it will just beit more harder for you. Then in life, you might want to start quitting anything that gets a little tough. College is really an incredible experience...

btw: not knowing what you want to major in right now is a normal thing. I've seen ppl even graduate college and they still don't know what they want to do with their lives. Even people who (in their first year) know what they want to do, they eventually change their majors. I would say while being in college at least 90% of college students will change their majors like 2-3 times.

Just don't give up yet.........
'cause I went through exactly what you're going through...trust me...I think getting school over with first is the best.

Have you ever thought of maybe majoring in the gaming industry?

[Subways]

Hi there,

From what I read in your first post it seems you're going through what literally thousands of students go through first year and perhaps every year. When you're doing poorly in school you feel discouraged and even depressed. You get anxious and all of those bad feelings exisit. However, stay with it and struggle like how most people do in post secondary studies. Don't bail.

You say that you don't know what you want to do. Staying in college right now presents the most opportunities to you and if you were to drop out you would close many doors. You get to take different courses, meet proffessionals in the field, meet students in the same situation as you, etc. that will help you. If you can't do school now what makes you think you can do it 1 semester later? Or 5 freaking years later? Life progresively gets more complicated I would advise you to do it while you're young and can still enjoy receiving an eduaction. Once your marks start improving your dreams and ambitions will kick in. You'll imagine yourself pursing in this path or another one and how their possibilites and opportunies there will allow to be happy and successful. Of course this is hard to see when your'e failing and it seems all these doors are shut. But it will get better.

Some people have advocate college isn't for everyone. And its not but that doesn't mean if its not for you you can't still make the most of it. Trust me, I have to read 120 pages tomorrow for a test the following morning and that isn't for me but that doesn't mean I'm not going to do it. There is not going to be anything out there that you're gonna enjoy doing. You might like games but that doesn't mean you're going to enjoy the math in computer science.

You already stated your problem. You play too much games and you can't seem to focus on assignments. Go to workshops that teaches you how to study or visit your advisors. They can help. Not saying that if you drop out you're not going to be get what you want in life but if you don't you're gonna be pretty darn mad 20 years later for choosing to level up your character instead of reading.

[SouthernBelle82]

I consider myself practically a dropout since I was put on academic probation and on the brink of getting suspension from the college--but I never gave them that chance. I quit!

Well, I was just like you, I graduated at 17 and started college, community college(because that's the way to go! ^.-)--and did horribly. I had no direction in life, and games took up most of my time; it felt terrible. I've tried uninstalling games, cutting down game time, thinking positively and just trying to enjoy going to school. It wasn't working. Then I realized what the problem was--I was taking GE courses. The same boring highschool classes ALL OVER AGAIN! Plus the fact that I had no clue what I wanted to do which definately did not help to motivate me. When asked what I was majoring in, I really wouldn't have an answer, and it embarassed me. I felt like I had disappointed my parents tremendously. I was told by many that 'it will come to you'--well let me tell you, after 3 years of heading towards no direction in particular and failing the GE courses not because I didn't understand the material--I understood it perfectly, but because I couldn't handle sitting in a classroom learning the same boring things over again, it really did come to me.

One, of the many customers who have spoken to me about not having a major or direction in life said to me, "Don't worry about it, once you find what you want to do, it will all fall into place. " Sure, at first I thought, yeah well, he hasn't seen my grades yet and how I had pretty much ruined my transcript, he wouldn't be saying that if he did. And then one day--I was having another one of the same conversations I have had with my boyfriend many times over about: feeling like a loser, having no direction in life, disappointing my parents, and feeling...trapped/stuck in life. He asked me why not pick up Interior Design; the question left me perplexed. Why not? The thought had not even come to my mind that I would want to major in anything that was remotely related to interior design, and yet, then and there, I realized that interior design was something I've had a passion for since a child until this very day. Something that I loved so deeply, yet had absolutely no knowledge that such a strong passion for this particular field existed in me.

Let me tell you--everything did fall into place. The feeling was phenomenal. I found a school that offered a bachelors degree in interior design, applied to the school right away and got accepted. I had never felt such excitement and eagerness to start school before. The best part? I didn't have to take enormous amounts of GE courses. Sure I still have to take some; but I actually get to take courses related to my field of study now instead of being bombarded with pure GE courses the first 2 years! All of a sudden, I knew what I had to do and I knew exactly how to do it.

So really--it will come to you, and when it does, everything will fall into place.

College isn't for everyone, I definately agree. But you know what? It doesn't hurt to find out. I suggest you stay in college for a bit and think of it not as a means to an end, but as a learning experience to expose you to what your passion may be. Sure, take random courses that you've never thought of but think you can bear for a semester or so, maybe one of the most profound, preposterous professions will work for you, and you will be astounded. Do not count your time. I don't mean completely lose track of time--just don't think of college now as a waste of time, but a learning experience.

That's really about all I can say--feel free to PM me with any questions!

Oh I so agree. With my current major it just fell into my lap so to speak and since then I've been rolling quite a long. I think it helps to have at least an idea of your major so you'd know what you need to get done. I think it helps you to stay on your goal. I was a political science major before and decided to take an intro to criminal justice class because I felt I should know the basic info in law enforcement since the two often meet and because of taking that class I found my major and love it and since then have also met some awesome people.

Hi THere!

I know exactly how you feel...seriously.

My first year of college was horrible as well.
Let me tell you something though, there are plenty of people out there that never do good in their first years as well.
I got an academic probation and I was really scared, but then I talked to a few people and they also said that got a letter too saying that they were on academic probation. To clear that, the next semester I just took an easy class and got a good grade and that cleared it! I was no longer on academic probation.

I'd have to say, failing like your first year is sooo the norm. Sometimes it's a good thing that you screw up ur first year...'cause then it just makes you more determined to try a little harder each yr.
Don't be scared and give college a few more semesters and see how it goes. I think if you give up now, it will just beit more harder for you. Then in life, you might want to start quitting anything that gets a little tough. College is really an incredible experience...

btw: not knowing what you want to major in right now is a normal thing. I've seen ppl even graduate college and they still don't know what they want to do with their lives. Even people who (in their first year) know what they want to do, they eventually change their majors. I would say while being in college at least 90% of college students will change their majors like 2-3 times.

Just don't give up yet.........
'cause I went through exactly what you're going through...trust me...I think getting school over with first is the best.

Have you ever thought of maybe majoring in the gaming industry?

That's a good idea to do and what I try to do as well to help keep my gpa where it is and to get higher. I also think it's important to know your limitations and what you can handle. One term I took a full course load and at the end everything was getting so busy and all and I got stressed out and I knew from then I couldn't handle it so now I just do three classes so I have time to study, do assignments and well on them and exams and have time for other things (like sleep!). And yes I'm on my third (and final) major now and my brother doesn't have a clue on his major yet. I knew someone who changed her major a dozen times before college and she finally found a major and she's still now in that major with a job and she seems to really enjoy it. So sometimes it takes time to figure it out. Just make sure it's something you love and are passionate about in my view. If it's just about making money I think you'd be bored (unless you like it too!).

[maharu.]

My great uncle was 80 some years when he graduated university.
And he was still a successful business person. University isn't for everyone.
And some are just better taking classes after they feel much more mentally prepared.
So you can work for a few years and come back maybe.

But I prefer to just finish in 6 years (including my masters) and just get it over with.
I'm addicted to video games, the internet, music, and everything entertainment.
I lack sleep sometimes and be late occasionally on starting assignments because of this.
But, I know that being in university is such a great opportunity and I just don't want to screw it up with something
that can be done in the future as well.

It's your own choice to do what you want to do, but try to make the best out of it.

And physical labor isn't the only style of job out there that pays decent amount without a degree.
You just need to look around.

[JJ no Baka]

I withdrawn from UCSC after the first quarter and is now attending a CC. I can tell you, I got hell of a lot of my financial aid back. I feel like I'm being paid to go to a CC. I will be applying to 4 year institutions this fall (or more like..now). You do save a lot of money, though.

Reason I dropped was a stupid reason. But it made me realize that I can probably do better at a different school.

[Searesrayne]

I agree with a lot of ppl, college isn't for everyone, and sure not going to college closes many doors , but perhaps you can just do part time or even less and just take 1 class that's GE requirement, and one that is something is fun (o and there's a lots of classes that are just plain fun)

I knew a few peeps that didn't go to college right after H.S, they just thought they didn't need to go but years later, they know what they want to do and just speeding thru college

it's doesn't really help if you don't know what your doing . but that's why I suggest taking 1 GE class, so over time, when you know what you doing you can just jump right in without having to wait for other stuff
~~~~


For me my fall quarter was great, but the winter quarter.. I lost my motivation and didn't feel like going to classes really so I ended up dropping most of my classes. and then the spring quarter I think I just go back into things. I started to think about what I was going to do with my life... and it definitely wasn't going to live with my parents (i'm taking CC and living with parents), but after CC I would move out and be on my own. I just used that as my motivation to keep moving on. (even though I have no idea what I really want to do...well i have a few ideas i'm just gonna wing it) Ppl are constantly changing their job fields so they go back to school >_> but as long as I 'm making a effort of going somewhere I'll be okay

[Bonsaitea]

Sometimes you just have to stick through it.Unless you know what you want to do now, i would suggest continuing school.

You don't have to pick a major that you know for sure you're going to do after your BS. Just make sure you get one! People don't always do what they major in.

You sound like you've lost your direction, and i know how you feel, but you just have to keep trying!

man... i feel like a hypocrite. lol!

[Redux-Analogy]

Hello!

He, you know, not everyone can deal with college from the get go. Sometimes you have to give yourself a bit of time to mature. I knew if I put college off, I'd forget everything so I just jumped in right after HS. I understand there is serious temptation to slack off, play video games, watch tv, get on soompi...etc, but you just have to find the balance. It can take a while, espeically when you're excited to be on your own!

While it will be difficult to get a job without college education, it happens! See if you can get a job here or there so you can decide if you'd rather do that than school for a while. You can always go back later. There's no need to be ashamed of yourself. Tons of people are in this exact situation.

I'm on the pro college side of things though. If you decide to stick it out, find ways to motivate yourself! Join clubs and things that match your interest (not your major! Having a major from the get go is not important. You can develop that later) and try things out. That's what college is for! Expensive experimenting.

Good luck to you!

[jedimindtricks]

I was majoring in Engineering and with the lack of interest, I ended up failing out.
I now attend community college with no idea what I'm going to do.

I am thinking of dropping out too, because studying just doesn't appeal me. Nothing I study is ever interesting. o_O

[StayFresh]

You would be wasting more of your time if you choose to go to college later down the years. Why not be ahead? Since your a gamer, why not make college your idea of a game Lol?

Usually, when you have negative thoughts about yourself, it'll be just where you'll end up. To be honest, I really stop listening to my parents and started making my own choices. If i continue to listen to my parents or anyone else, the next time that I need support, guess where I will turn to? Parents. I don't want to do that, I want to practice being on my own and doing things my own way. I'm your age too man, 18 and still young and still got so much more to learn. It's okay to seek advice here and there but don't let them make the choices for you. I mean like, it is your life after all. You've grown all of your feathers and your ready to fly.

Anyways, don't be a lazy sitting around (not trying to be mean). It's just like playing a game, making progess and being ahead of the game will make you the winner and top player. Go to college.

"I don't know what to do with my life. I am so useless. My physique isn't that great either. I am very small and thin. So any job requiring physical labor will most likely be a no for me."

Eat more, work out. Get bigger, that's how I would have done it. You will feel good about yourself once you start packing on that bulkiness and muscles. Dude, do it for the girls, do it to give yourself confidence, do it to be larger than life!

[sheki]

its scary how much you sound like me when i was a freshman. i went to school on a football scholarship and my first year of school i barely went to class and all i did was party and play video games. after my first semester i was placed on academic probation, and baaarely made it through the second semester. i eventually dropped out after my sophomore year and was forced into the real world. even though i have an awesome job right now, (i lucked out) not a day goes by that i regret dropping out of school.

just try to find something youre in to. if you like playing games why not create them? if you like watching tv, try the communications major. my sister works for the Jimmy Kimmel show and meets all his celebrity guests! how cool is that...

if you really find the need to take a break, take a year off... after 4-5 years you wont go back, trust me.

[akestepa]

I'm not a dropout but I did start university a little later than my peers. I took a year off after high school to just work and afterwards I went to the local community college because I still wasn't sure what I wanted to major in. I went part time and took whatever sounded interesting yet still fulfilled GE courses. One quarter I took a class on Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion and that's how I got into Anthropology. I just transferred to a university this fall. Most of the people I graduated high school with have already gotten their degrees (even the people that graduated the year after are done!) and I felt kinda weird about that at first because I thought all my classes would be filled with people way younger than me but it's not so! There's a bunch of older people in my classes going for their first Bachelor's degree.

Sorry if I was rambling but I guess my point is don't worry so much about going to college and graduating ASAP. Take your time and figure out what your passion is. I'd also suggest going to a CC first because you pay way less than tuition at a Uni and you can pretty much take whatever strikes your fancy, unlike at a Uni where a lot of classes are restricted to those majors only. Maybe also try looking at technical/vocational schools where you can learn a trade? My cousin is going to one to learn dental assisting and they also do things like graphic design, criminal justice, etc, etc.

Good luck!

[des monstres]

don't go to college just because you're "supposed" to or because everyone else is.

take a year off.
4-5 years is way too long.
and you'll probably forget a lot of things.

even take a semester off.
i did and i worked.
and i did better in college.

don't continue going to college if you don't feel like it.
well, if you just don't have the heart to.

maybe when you relax a bit more, figure out what you really wanna do, you'll crave school more.

[hurryworry]

if u don't want to go to college yet then u shouldn't waste time n money. there's lineman job that pays well but not many people know about. it's climbing up poles n fixing the electrical lines whenever there is an outage.

it pays better than all other skilled trades.