How to Succeed at UNC Charlotte

Q. Are there characteristics common to successful students at UNC Charlotte?

A. Absolutely-During the spring semester of 1998 we surveyed sophomores who entered the University as freshmen in the fall of 1996 who were then completing their fourth semester at the University (or were no longer enrolled). We define success in terms of higher GPA’s and continued enrollment. Successful students at UNC Charlotte are those who had established a connection to the University.

Q. What kind of connection can students establish with the University?

A. Living on campus is a positive beginning. Of the students continuing, 72% of them lived on campus their first year. Of those who were no longer enrolled, 55% of them lived off campus their first year. Living on campus assists students in the transition from high school to college by offering:

• Programming opportunities to help students become involved in the campus community
• Classes and tutoring services in the residence hall
• Professional staffing in each residence hall
• A safe environment for students through the use of security guards and ID access

B. Students are more likely to succeed if they do not work off campus. The students who were not working off-campus reported an average GPA of 2.51. Students who were working off-campus reported an average GPA of 2.26. Students who work more than 20 hours per week off-campus are less involved in campus life and persist at the University at a lower rate. We believe students need to take seriously their decision to work so that it does not interfere with their academic performance and ability to become a part of the University community.

C. Attend SOAR - Summer Orientation Advising and Registration in June and July. SOAR offers students the opportunity to become familiar with campus, services, and facilities.

• Students make new friends and begin establishing a social network.
• Students discover new opportunities to get involved in campus clubs
• Students meet with faculty and staff advisers to register for courses and learn strategies for resolving academic problems
  

D. Enroll in a Freshman Seminar Course - ARSC 1000. This seminar provides students with an orientation to available resources to survive the social and academic adjustment from high school to college. While learning skills in problem solving and writing, students develop crucial faculty relationships

E. And last but not least, use this freshman admissions Website as much as possible. It will allow you to become familiar with the University even before you arrive on campus. More importantly though, it will allow you to meet your classmates and communicate with them through the "Meet Your Classmates", "Find a Friend", and "Ask a Student" features. There's nothing like establishing personal contacts and even solid friendships prior the start of classes to give you a comfortable feeling at the start of your college experience.

Q. What are the characteristics of an "A" student at UNC Charlotte?

• They attend class
• They keep up with reading and assignments
• They are on good terms with their teachers
• They seek out more successful people
• They learn outside of class
• They learn by teaching others
• They have a strong belief in themselves
• They are VERY resourceful people

Q. What is the average number of assignments and tests a college student has per class in a 15-week course.

A. College students have approximately 1-5 assignments and tests during each semester course. In high school, students typically have 17-25 assignments and tests during a nine week course. College students have fewer tests and assignments, but they are much more comprehesive and carry more much weight toward their final grade in the class.

Q. What is the average length of a chapter in a college text?

A. The average length of a chapter in a college textbook is 30-40 pages. The average length of a chapter in a high school textbook is only 10-15 pages. A college student's test may cover 8-12 chapters per test.

Q. How many hours does the average successful college student study each week when taking 15 hours of classes?

A. The average successful college student studies 30 or more hours per week when taking 15 hours of classes. Studies show that you should study two hours for every hour of class time to be successful in college. The average successful high school student studies only 10 hours each week.