For much of the last decade, the dropout rate among freshmen at Mississippi State has hovered in the 22-25 percent range.

The good news is, retention is slowly improving-thanks in large part to concerted efforts by university faculty, advisers, counselors, administrators, and researchers.

The bad news is, one of every five MSU freshmen still fails to become a sophomore.

The challenge of retaining students is not unique to Mississippi State. Universities throughout the nation are seeking ways to help students weather the first critical year of college.

Ask a dozen educators for a complete list of solutions and you'll likely get more answers than can be assimilated. But when the lists are compared, a few common principles emerge. Almost everyone agrees that if freshmen take these basic tenets to heart, their chances of staying in school-and graduating-improve dramatically.

1. UNDERSTAND THE PLAYING FIELD
"Many students come from small towns and small high schools where they were at the top of their classes," says Dr. Anita P. George, professor of curriculum and instruction and director of The Teaching/Learning Center at Mississippi State.

"Metaphorically, they were big fish in little ponds. Coming to MSU, they may find that in this huge pond there are lots of big fish and, surprisingly, many that are bigger than themselves.

"Consequently, most students have to work much harder and spend more time studying to maintain the grades that once were easily attained. It is important that the student know and understand this early on."

2. GO TO CLASS
A simple directive from Dr. David McMillen, professor of psychology and coordinator of the Freshman Academic Success Project, but one which makes a world of difference.

"A student who misses classes early in the semester falls behind, and it's difficult to catch up," he says. "We ask instructors who teach freshmen to check attendance regularly. Students who miss more than one class during the first two weeks of the semester are contacted to let them know someone is concerned."

3. DEVELOP A NEW SET OF SKILLS
"Communication, organizational, and group skills; leadership; logic; the ability to formulate ideas and implement them-these are skills that students begin developing in high school, but they become especially critical in college," says Dr. Jimmy Abraham, director of the Office of Enrollment Services.

"Not coincidentally, these also are the skills that potential employers will be looking for a few years from now when the student begins the interviewing process."

4. MANAGE THE CLOCK
"Students should take control of their time and manage it well," George advises. "It's a good idea to make a calendar for each week, showing the times spent in class, times devoted to recreational and extracurricular activities, and times for meals, meetings, and other responsibilities.

"The most important thing to schedule aside from class times are study hours. The recommended norm is two hours per week for each credit hour. Therefore-for each three-hour class-the student should schedule six hours each week for study."

5. ESTABLISH GOALS
Short-term goals play a huge role in incremental success.

"Develop a sense of direction and purpose," says Ty Abernathy, a research associate with the Social Science Research Center and doctoral student in the Psychology Department's cognitive science program. "During the first couple of weeks of school, students should set both academic and social goals for the semester."

George offers students a recipe for establishing long-term goals. "Think about what you would like to be doing in five or ten years," she says. "Where would you like to be doing it? Who is with you? What is the work? Where do you live? What do you drive? Imagine yourself in all those scenes. Next, look at the courses that you must take in your curriculum. As you successfully complete each of those courses, you are one step closer to your dream."

Abraham suggests writing down goals, which tends to solidify them in the student's mind. "Make a written list and keep the list in a place where you will see it daily. The simple act of writing out your goals and reviewing them often has a powerful, positive effect."

6. BE ASSERTIVE
McMillen believes that assertiveness is a key element to first-year success. "If you're experiencing difficulties in a class, talk to the instructor and learn his or her expectations." He also encourages students to know who their advisers are, and to use this valuable resource. "Ask questions," Abernathy adds. "If you don't know what's expected or how to accomplish something, find out. Most people are more than happy to help."

7. GET INVOLVED
The overwhelming majority of retention experts believe that students, including freshmen, should become involved with organizations and extracurricular activities.

"Students can benefit greatly from plugging themselves into social, religious, and athletic activities to help counterbalance the sometimes solitary act of studying," Abernathy says.

Abraham agrees. "Such activities are necessary for a well-rounded college experience," he emphasizes.

8. TAKE NOTES AND STUDY WELL
This is one principle that goes almost without saying. Taking meticulous notes (and re-copying and refining them later if necessary), in addition to developing consistent, productive study habits, aids students in comprehending and retaining subject matter.

George takes this maxim one step further. "Buy your textbooks early and study ahead," she advises. "Get the books and begin reading immediately. Do all of the exercises at the end of the chapter. Look up unfamiliar and technical words. Start a study group with people you know who will be taking the same course. Challenge yourself to see how far ahead you can study before classes start."

9. USE COLLEGE RESOURCES
"One of the first things entering freshmen should do is familiarize themselves with university resources and take advantage of them," McMillen says.

University Libraries, The Teaching/Learning Center, the Counseling Center, and the Career Center are among the numerous resources available to help students become acclimated to-and thrive in-a new and unfamiliar setting. Many departmental assistance programs and internship opportunities also are available.

Bonus Tips
Our panel of experts offers first-year students a few final suggestions:
GEORGE: "Consider taking a minimum course load the first semester: 12 to 15 credit hours-the basic freshman courses. Mix heavy reading courses with lab and practical courses. This will allow 'wiggle room' for adjusting to the new environment and to studying at a different level."
MCMILLEN: "Ask instructors for advice and direction relative to studying for their tests. Ask for study guides and organize study groups. And-once again-go to class."
ABERNATHY: Talk to upper-level students in your major. Ask them for advice and get their opinions. Find out the first-year dos and don'ts.
ABRAHAM: "Try not to be intimidated by your new environment. Recognize your obligations and responsibilities, certainly, but always keep in mind that most of your classmates are in the same boat. They have the same dreams, concerns, and uncertainties that you do. And never forget that there are many people here who are eager to help you."