Half of all new college students won't graduate. What can you do to improve your odds?

About 50% of all kids that go to college will not graduate.

With that high failure rate it is important to understand what success factors could give your child that margin of success.

Surprisingly relationships in college are the key to your success.

For most the thought of romantic relationships jumps to mind, and that is part of it, but I'm talking about all the relationships that help your student become a better student.

A Higher Level Relationship

Your college student must learn to go to a higher level of relationships with their professors, career counselors, academic advisors, dorm supervisors, peers as well as their romantic life.

These people are your resource team who has a piece of the puzzle to make your college experience a success. But if you don't get connected in a way that is effective, you won't get the benefit your ТteamУ has to offer.

Talk Too Much?

One mistake I see new students make is talking too much about themselves. I know...sounds stupid...but it never ceases to amaze me at how much Тblah, blah, blahУ students will tell total strangers.

Many tearful hours have been spent in my office with students who come to realized that they are much more deeply involved than they would like to be.

My advice: Think of your new relationships like a small plant, one that will grow over time. You water it a little each day...not all at once.

Slow Motion Romance

I also think that it is also important to Тgo slowУ with romantic relationships. I believe the best relationships, start off as friendships.

I highly recommend that kids start off just making good friends, and then letting the relationship go to a romantic level at a slower pace.

Students end up in my office because they let that romantic relationship go too fast.

Again, a big warning is mixing alcohol and drugs with relationships, because a lot of time there is regrets (or even a pregnancy) the morning after or when the party is over, or when that person has sobered up.

For more insights into your hidden college resource team, order Dr. Debi Yohn's book "Parenting College Students: 27 Winning Strategies for Success." It can help you and your college student have the best chance a successful college experience. You can also speak to Dr. Yohn privately and confidentially through her coaching program...click here for more information.