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If you are about to graduate high school or you are an adult re-entry student preparing to enroll in a 4-year degree program, you might be wondering how you can improve your chances of having a successful student career. One of the biggest reasons why first-year students have a high chance of failing is because they do not know what to expect, and they are away from their friends and family so they feel like they do not have support. To improve the success rate of first-year students and the graduation rate of the study body as a whole, many universities are now offering a College Cohort Program. This opportunity is perfect for first-year students who know the degree that they are pursuing when they enter into school. If you are trying to compare cohort programs to traditional degree programs, read on and learn what you can expect before you apply for admissions.
Understanding the Cohort Initiative and Why It is a Great Opportunity
Some of the top universities throughout the nation are starting to offer cohort program opportunities to first-year students in an effort to help students feel like they are part of a small community within the college. When you enter into a program with a cohort format, you will attend specific courses with a group of 20 to 35 students who will progress with you throughout the program.
The idea of a cohort is that you and the other students in the program study as a group so that every member can contribute, bond, and focus on their strengths. The format is based on a pre-determined curriculum, and the cohort will become a tight knit community as the program progresses. According to CSUN’s Tseng College, students who are part of the cohort format tend to have higher on-time graduation rates because they complete courses with their peers and are motivated because of the supportive relationships that they form. The team-based learning experience prepares students for success in the real world.
What to Expect When Applying for a Cohort Program
A cohort is a micro-community within a university or college. If you want to enroll in a program with a cohort format, you will start by seeing an adviser so that you can register. At the advising center, you will learn about deadlines for the upcoming semester and the cohort programs available. Once you register in the program you want to complete, you will attend an Orientation so that you can learn about the services offered and activities that are held on and off campus. As you progress as a cohort student, you will have the opportunity to become a Cohort president or leader in your sophomore year. Leaders will become a valuable resource to students in the program who are attending the same course at the same level.
If you want to progress through your college career and build strong relationships with students who have similar goals to yours, you may want to consider a program with the cohort format. Compare distance programs and traditional programs, identify what you would like to major in, and start your student career off right by seeking connections that will turn into strong relationships.
