There are very few beginning college students who have scratched the surface of their potential. The major difference between students who reach their potential by graduation - and those who don't - is motivation. Students with greater motivation will really dig in and learn as much as possible for the time and money spent on their education.

     The most important factors interfering with motivation are:
     depression from feeling overburdened with classwork,
     homesickness or difficulty adjusting to new lifestyle,
     peer pressure to resist studying,
     personal relationships and family problems, and
     unclear career goals.

     Successful students, who are motivated to achieve, either seek assistance from professionals or resolve these problems on their own.

     Are you sufficiently motivated to accept the challenge of SMTC? Why are you here? Because of friends? Parents? Sports? Do you have definite plans for after graduation? Can you discipline yourself to study long hours, putting off immediate satisfaction of your other needs? Are you mature enough to handle new freedom and responsibilities?

     Motivation is considered to be one of the most significant factors determining success or failure in college or in any other undertaking. If you think you have a motivation problem, the following suggestions may help you as they have helped other students. [Remember that procrastination in completing academic assignments often indicates low motivation.]

Develop some realistic, concrete reasons for spending one to three years of your life doing whatever is necessary to earn your degree.

Produce some realistic, concrete career goals that are appropriate to your abilities and interests. Keep in mind that your short-term personal goals may often be in conflict with your long-range educational objectives.

Relate present academic work to your future career goals. Having meaningful educational goals is the key to having positive academic attitudes.

Spend time with others already in your profession to reinforce your plans. Find part-time and summer work that relates to your chosen field. [See our Career Development Office.]

Decide what grade you want in each course and then record your progress. This makes your studying more purposeful and identifies which courses need extra study time.

Assess Your Motivation to Achieve
Yes or No?

Are you dissatisfied until you really understand what you are studying?
If you don’t understand something, do you ask the instructor to explain it again?
Do you anticipate what questions will be asked on an exam?
Do you like working on a challenging assignment?
Do you set goals only that you can easily reach?
Do you make an honest effort to get the best grades you can?
If you are bored with an assignment, do you keep working anyway?
Do you usually complete homework assignments on time?
Do you continue to try even when others do better than you?
Is knowing that you are improving enough to give you a sense of achievement?
Do you really try to learn from errors you make on a test?
Do you believe a student must have high grades in order to have a sense of achievement?
Do you prefer to sit in the front of a classroom?
If you don’t understand something, do you just ignore it?
If you have been absent, do you make up the work quickly?

If your answers indicate a lack of scholastic motivation, you may want to meet with a career counselor or a personal counselor to discuss any concerns you have about your career choice and your success in college.