Addressing high drop-out rates in colleges

First year college drop-out rates remain persistently high (up to 18%).

Many students fail courses and online modules as a result of not knowing early enough what is required of them or the basic skills fundamental for academic success beyond school.

All university, college and many online courses - while requiring these skills for success - often don’t teach them in first year (or at all).

Thus, grades are decreased within early work submitted as students learn these basic fundamental requirements within an already often overwhelming and competitive new environment.

In five sessions, the tutorials address many of the causes of the high drop out rates experienced by students in their first year of college and taking online courses.

This tutorial series provides a basic understanding of what is required of students in third level and the skills essential for academic success regardless of the subject being taken.

Ideally, colleges and online learning institutions would offer this training to all students in their first weeks but few can and do.

Rather, students must learn as they navigate this new and already stressful environment which causes unnecessary additional pressure resulting in many feeling overwhelmed and dropping out.

Upon completion of the College-ready tutorials, students will be prepared to succeed at any first year course once they apply what they learn to their modules, reading lists and assignments.