Keys to Successful Business and Life
Success Key #7: Give College a Chance

In some fields, such as law or medicine, you've got to be competitive with grades. But if you can't seem to make decent grades, don't despair. The average multi-millionaires surveyed by professor Stanley were neither "A" nor even "B" students. They reported a mediocre "C" average. Yet, they  hung in there and completed their 4-year degrees. Ninety percent of his study were college grads. 52% held Masters degrees or above.) (1) 

Sure, 10% made it to the top without college, but most considered it important. So what's the big deal about college?

1 - It often opens vocational doors that are shut to others. One friend tells me that he's missed many great jobs, simply because he couldn't check the box on the application that says "Four-Year Degree". Even if the degree were in "Underwater Basket Weaving," it would have gotten him ahead. 

2 - You grow a lot and meet motivated people. Bill Hewlett and David Packard  met each other as freshmen at Stanford, eventually co-founding Hewlett-Packard.(2)  Paul Orfalea of Kinkos found his first partner, Brad Krause, in a graphic arts and photography class. (3)  

3 - You actually learn some valuable things in class.

4 - You meet a few great professors. They not only teach you something, but can be great references. Warren Buffet studied under his investing mentor, Benjamin Graham, at college. Buffett later worked for Graham. 

5 - You learn a lot outside of class. 

6 - Many students love the social life! (4)

Today's Tips

1. Here's a general rule of thumb: In school, try to go as far as you can as fast as you can, without incurring too much debt. 
2. Even if your high school record stinks, you might do great studying something you love. Try the local technical college. That one or two year degree can get you way ahead. 
3. If you want a 4-year degree, but don't have the grades or the SAT scores to get in through the front door, try a back-door strategy. Start by studying something you enjoy at a one or two year college. Then, apply to transfer to the four year school. Get a great recommendation from someone who believes in you.   

End Notes

1) Stanley and Danko, The Millionaire Mind, p. 9.
2) David Packard, The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company, inside sleeve.
3) Paul Orfalea & Ann Marsh, Copy This! (New York: Workman Publishing, 2005), p. 14.
4) Ask most college grads! 
5) Image of college girl purchased from istockphoto.com.