Entering higher education is a major culture shock for many students and making the right preparations prior to this rite of passage to adulthood can make an important contribution to better outcomes, an education expert says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirst year drop-out rates have historically been, and remain, a problem in South Africa,\u201d says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA\u2019s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She says the reasons why students with seemingly good prospects struggle during their first year are numerous and many must deal with a combination of factors. These include the relative loss of adult supervision and institutional structure of schools and the need to work more autonomously, the increased academic demand at university, the culture shock of campus life, the temptations of the social scene, personal circumstances, and a lack of support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, many students did not do their research properly before settling on a qualification and institution and will soon find themselves at sea as they realise, they are on the wrong academic path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you enrolled for the right qualification?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are a myriad of things that can potentially go wrong during your first year of post-school study, but the good news is that by getting your head in the right space before you even set foot on campus, a great deal of potential challenges can be either ameliorated or entirely neutralised, setting you up for first year and future success,\u201d said Madhav.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensure you are confident that you have enrolled for the right qualification (for you) at the right institution. Matrics often scramble to apply for studies without having a clear idea of what they want to do, or what they are going to do once they have completed a qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t think what\u2019s done is done and there is no changing direction if you have doubts about your prior decisions. Rather take the time that you have now to investigate your options and ensure that you make the best decision for your future before you enter higher education,\u201d said Madhav.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Campus life is a different kettle of fish<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Campus life is a completely different kettle of fish compared with school life, and knowing what\u2019s coming, and how you are going to approach this new phase, is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThink about what you want from your time in higher education, the outcomes you wish for yourself, and the challenges that might stop you from reaching your dream. How will you handle the party life? Do you know where you will be able to go for assistance \u2013 emotionally or academically \u2013 at your institution should you require it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWorking towards your qualification can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of a person\u2019s life if it is underpinned by a clear vision, discipline and determination,\u201d said Madhav.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entering higher education is a major culture shock for many students and making the right preparations prior to this rite of passage to adulthood can make an important contribution to better outcomes, an education expert 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