Five Barriers to College Success

How the Yount Program deals with five common barriers to successful entry and completion of college

1. Wrong information and onerous rules. Money is not the big barrier of college entry; not knowing how to find the money is. Many myths about college confuse and scare students. The mechanics of college entry and financial aid are complex and most students are left to figure it out on their own. The rules are constantly changing, making things difficult for delayed entry, which now involves over half of college entrants. In 2007-08, an estimated 2.3 million undergraduates who were likely eligible for Pell Grants did not complete the FAFSA financial aid application. Ironically, the most underserved and needy students are those most likely to be deterred by this lengthy and complex form.

YOUNT: The Yount Program takes the fear out of going to college. It covers all of the myths and misunderstandings about college entry as well as teaches the mechanics of college entry and success. Personal help is provided to fill out the financial aid forms and better position people for scholarships. A Yount fireside also helps with parental responsibility. The importance of knowing about financial aid and college success needs to start in middle school. A special fireside teaches parents how to get their children a free college education if they start early enough.

2. Inadequate preparation for college. A high school diploma is not an indicator of readiness for college. Research has shown the current disconnect between high school and college. College courses require an elevated level of learning, study and self-discipline. It catches many students unaware. The latest ACT college entry test results indicate that only 23 percent of test takers are properly prepared in all four basic skills. The low level of retention in secondary schools won’t work in college. Things must be learned better and remembered longer as one course builds upon another. Students must operate differently in secondary school if they want to raise their chances of college success and getting a good job.

YOUNT: The Yount Program teaches parents how to monitor and assist their child’s mastery of basic skills and achievement of study maturity. Students need to take the right classes in high school to be qualified and prepared for college, which often means taking the right classes in middle school. The Yount Program also teaches the other skills and attributes that contribute to college success.

3. Not knowing the rules and tools of college success. College is different now. They can be fearful places. Young adulthood is difficult by itself; college can make it more difficult without the right support. There are hidden rules of success in any organization but none quite as hidden as in colleges and universities.

YOUNT: In the Yount Program people are taught many things not covered in high schools or colleges that contribute to a more satisfying experience. The Yount Program seminar is designed to make college entry easier, learning faster and completion more sure. The personalization features make the difference. The techniques taught can double the likelihood of success.

4. Dropout danger. Dropout affects almost half of all college students. That is an indication that many do not fully understand what they are getting into. In addition to inadequate preparation, there are many other traps that result in high dropout rates during the first year. Balancing work, money and family responsibilities often come into play later. Most can be avoided with the right plan. Contingency planning is an important part of any school plan.

YOUNT: Seminar participants learn how to align themselves with college and align college with themselves. That involves self-assessments built into the Yount Program. Self-understanding includes having a chosen and validated career selected. “Career decidedness” is one of the highest correlates of school completion. Participants take these factors into account in building their school plan.

5. Spiritual self-reliance. One of a parent’s biggest worry is whether or not their child can withstand the college-related winds that blow against spiritual resiliency. Many are so fearful that they want to send their child to a Church school. For most that is not practical or needful, given the help available.

YOUNT: The Yount Program attempts to align spiritual development with academic development on a personal rather than a school level. Learning by faith as well as by study is a key component. Participants are taught that utilizing the spirit as part of their study can speed learning and increase retention. They learn that maintaining righteousness in all facets of educational life is essential for the spirit to personalize learning toward their future needs. Patriarchal blessing are used to help teach that principle. People are encouraged to bring theirs to the seminar.