Each year at this time a new group of students go off to the exciting and challenging experience of pursuing their college education. The first year can be a difficult adjustment. They're faced with more independence, more challenge and more responsibility than they've ever had before. Many succeed, but many don't. Based on my clinical experiences with bright, capable students who have dropped out of college or have been placed on probation, I have put together some guidelines for success from my book "How to Parent So Children Will Learn" (Great Potential Press, 2008) that can ensure a college student's success. I usually include this column before school begins each year as a reminder to new students. You may want to read these yourself or give them to a new college student you know and love.

Never miss a class, no matter how boring or irrelevant you believe it to be. You've paid for this education, so you might as well get your money's worth. The lecture or explanation you miss may become the exam question you don't quite remember learning or the surprisingly inspiring idea that leads you to a career. Students who have dropped out usually initiate their problem by increasingly missing classes.

Plan to study at least two hours for each hour of class time. Colleges recommend this guideline; take their advice literally. If you procrastinate early, it will be impossible to catch up at the end of the semester.

Structure your study time on a schedule or calendar for at least one week ahead of time. Visualizing the time allocated for study will lessen the tension you feel.

If you're struggling with course content, find help (BEGIN ITALS) before (END ITALS) you fail. Writing labs, tutors, study groups and counseling abound on college campuses. No one is going to take you by the hand for help; you will have to initiate the search, but there is plenty of willing and free help available. Even students who earn A grades get help.

You may be disappointed in your grades, even when you've studied hard and have always been an excellent student. Try not to think about comparing yourself to others who may have received better grades. That will only make you feel inadequate. Instead, concentrate on studying more effectively and efficiently and doing your best. A-grade students may have helpful study pointers you can learn. Be sure to use study guides provided by your professors.

Schedule exercise time for at least three times weekly. Daily exercise is even better. Exercise will help you feel alert and in control and will provide wonderful tension release.

Plan for brief social time daily and a little more on weekends. Good college students do not take whole weekends off. Don't overallocate your social time. There will always be more than you plan for. Remember, alcohol, drugs and study don't mix.

Develop and keep regular healthy eating and sleeping habits as much as possible. Fatigue and poor nourishment will only increase the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Many college students temporarily struggle with anxiety and depression while in college. Free counseling services are typically available on campus. Don't hesitate to go for help.

And finally, don't even consider dropping out of college. Your college degree will make a positive difference for you for the rest of your life.

Dr. Sylvia B. Rimm is the director of the Family Achievement Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, a clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the author of many books on parenting. More information on raising kids is available at www.sylviarimm.com. Please send questions to: Sylvia B. Rimm on Raising Kids, P.O. Box 32, Watertown, WI 53094 or srimm@sylviarimm.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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