For first year students, and first-generation college students, getting into the flow of college pace can be difficult. For many students, they may find that the grades they had in high school if they were A and B students, may not be what they receive in college. Adjusting to college life and adapting to the new environment can also affect a students GPA. About 20% of first year students after their first quarter or semester find themselves in academic probation.
So what is it?
Academic probation is when a student’s GPA falls below the schools accepted “good standing”. For most colleges and universities that means having a GPA below a 2.0. While not all students take this status seriously, it should be. Being on academic probation not only means being at risk for failing classes, but it also puts the student at risk of losing financial aid, at risk of being dismissed from the institution.
How do you get off of academic probation?
Look into your school’s academic probation and talk to an academic advisor. Typically each school has a designated time frame to raise your GPA before putting your financial aid at risk. After you have determined a time frame to raise your GPA, evaluate your academic performance.
Do you need to adjust your study habits?
Do you need to organize and manage your time differently?
Also make sure to reach out to old professors. Sometimes if the grade you were given was a borderline grade, professors may be willing (IF YOU PUT IN THE WORK) to raise it to help you raise your overall GPA. Once you have these details down and you estimate you may not be able to raise your GPA in time for your probationary period, ask for an extension if needed. This gives you more time to either take over classes you did not do well in and it shows the school you are working on your academic progress.
For more tips check out this blog https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/academic-probation/
