Overcoming Shortcomings for College Success

How to Flunk out of College, by Dr. Cari B. Cannon is a self help book that provides insight to contribute to College student's success. Throughout the book, Dr. Cannon highlights shortcomings that almost all College students experience at some point. Three major topics that I struggle with are: Assuming reading and remembering are the same thing, practicing perfectionism, and forget the learning and only focus on the grade. I believe that by tackling my shortcomings head on it will result in my continued success as a student.

"Assume reading and remembering are the same thing." Is one of the rules Dr. Cannon discuses that resonates with me the most. In the text, Dr. Cannon states "You read text to comprehend it, but to remember the material other strategies work far better than reading." (39) I struggle with this rule due to the foundation of which my studying techniques originated. While in high school, it was instilled In my brain that reading and rereading the text was critical if I wanted to retain information and

excel on exams. However, since being in college, I have learned this to be completely untrue.

In order to improve on this weakness I plan to incorporate three different methods into my studying routine.Firstly, I am going to ask my professors questions to help better understand text I need clarification on.

Secondly, I will be more of an active reader. By doing so, I will highlight key phrases and or words, as well as take notes on major concepts. Lastly, I plan to go over my notes weekly to help keep all newly learned material retained.

In addition to improving my study habits; Dr. Cannons rule of "Practicing Perfectionism" is something that I keenly struggle with. For me practicing perfectionism causes me to constantly struggle with the need to overachieve academically. In my eyes, anything lower than a "B" is failing. And when I achieve anything of lesser value I feel frustrated and anxious. When discussing this rule in How to Flunk out of College, Dr. Cannon describes how always trying to overachieve can cause a

hindrance.

In essence, I agree. And in order to overcome this rule I plan to set more realistic goals for myself. By setting more realistic goals I believe it will allow me to not be so hard on myself. Furthermore, I also plan to change my thought process to be more realistic. Nobody is perfect, so it is important for me to remember that I too can make mistakes. Lastly, I intend to forgive myself for mistakes made. For example if I receive a grade I am not satisfied with I need to realize that I contributed in obtaining that grade. And while I may not be happy with it I need to accept it and recognize what can be done differently next time.

Finally, the last rule stated by Dr. Cannon that I struggle with, is "Forget the Learning and Focus Only on the Grade." I struggle with this rule due to me being a perfectionist. For example, sometimes I find myself only focusing on the grades that I will receive rather than focusing on retaining the information being taught.

I would like to improve on this rule by putting forth more focus into my learning environment. For example, instead of focusing merely to receive the grade I want I'd like to set aside 30 minutes daily of independent reading time. By doing so this will allow me to refresh on what I have learned thus far, and what I am taking away from the course. Secondly, Id like to actively participate in labs and or activities on campus that correlate with my studies. For example, me being actively hands on involved in everyday relatable activities will allow me to relate to what I am learning better. In conclusion, I plan to reward myself after testing my own competency on what I have learned.

I believe Dr. Cannons book How to Flunk Out of College is a book that all College students need to read to help contribute to their success. Dr. Cannon is able to break down numerous strategies in her book that most students will experience and may need improvement upon. The three rules that I struggle with: Assume Reading and remembering are the same, practicing perfectionism, and forget the learning and only focus on the grade without strides to improve upon can be detrimental within my College tenure. However, after reading the strategies from a teachers perspective having once been a student; I believe I now have the necessary tools to help overcome these struggles.