• Study Skills – typically the lack of effective study methods. It is not uncommon for students to have not developed any study skills prior to college. Sometimes this may be due to study skills not being taught or because they were not a necessity. For many adult students, not only are the essential study skills absent, but there has also been a time of disconnection from academics that can interfere with effective study skills.
   
• Motivation – lack of a clear vision or purpose as to why you are here. If college enrollment is something that has been made mandatory, a condition of employment, or generally something that does not include your own goals and vision about what you want, the likelihood for success is slim. Sometimes you may need to ask yourself, “Is school for me, right now?” or “Whose dream am I living?”
   
• Time Management – inefficient and/or ineffective use of time to complete school-related tasks including out-of-class study and class attendance. One of the best things you can do for your success is to attend class regularly and to come to class prepared. Most students have multiple time demands in addition to school – work and family to name a few. College makes an impact on your life and requires changes that accommodate the new time demands.
   
• Feeling Out-of-Place – just like it sounds – feeling like you don’t belong. MECC has students just-out-of-high- school and students who have returned to school after many years of work, family, or other responsibilities. Finding “your place” at college can be the single most important factor (next to class attendance) in your success. It is normal to feel anxious because it is a new venture, a new unknown. Remember that you are not alone in these feelings. Whether others say it or not, you can be sure many have similar fears. Make acquaintances and connections at MECC; it can be a key element in your persistence.
   
• Substance Abuse – recreational use, addiction, or self-medication for a psychological problem. While substance abuse does not forecast failure, it seriously affects the ability to attend class regularly and perform at your potential.
   
• Psychological Issues – undiagnosed and/or untreated psychological disorders. Depression, anxiety, and panic disorder (just to name a few) are very common disorders with effective treatments. If left untreated or undiagnosed, the impact on college performance can be extensive (poor GPA, academic probation) not to mention the blow to your self-confidence.

This is not a complete list of possible barriers to success (you can probably name others). The most important step you can take is to become aware of anything that may interfere with you performing at your highest potential. College counselors are available to help with academic problems (motivation, study skills, time management, etc.) and can provide referrals for psychological or substance abuse issues.