Welcome to The African American Student’s Guide to Excellence in College. I’ve been there, so I know what you’re going through (or will be going through soon). What not only got me to the finish line, but helped me to excel academically and socially, was a determination to succeed, sound study strategies, utilizing my resources, and knowing who I was and what I wanted. It might seem like a simple formula, but trust me, it takes a while to figure out all of the pieces, especially when you’re “learning on the job.” Plus, when you have to deal with a dozen things at once, as is often the case in college, it can become extremely difficult, even overwhelming at times, trying to get it together. That’s why I wrote this book, to help make the road to graduation a little bit easier.

Did you know that after 6 years of college, only 46% of African American students earn their degrees?¹ Only 17% of all African American adults have a college degree.² Meanwhile, African Americans make up 40.1% of all inmates in Federal prisons.³

It’s alarming how many stories I’ve personally heard about African American students who didn’t graduate due to poor grades, financial struggles, personal hardships, or other circumstances. Others take time off (either voluntarily or due to academic probation), or labor through five or more years of school, often due to a lack of focus, advising, and support. Further, there is another set of Black students who graduate on time, but do not feel that their college experience was as fulfilling or beneficial as it should have been. This is more frequently found at larger, predominantly white institutions, where African American students may constantly feel like they’re outsiders looking in.

What’s worse is the silence on these issues. We assume once Jamal from down the block has gone off to school, everything is going to be wonderful, and that he’s well on his way to making it. The reality is that Jamal is more likely to return home without his degree than with it. Nearly seven out of ten African American males who enter college do not graduate!⁴

Why are the numbers so low?
There are several explanations for the low retention and graduation rates of African American students. From the student’s perspective, paying for college and feeling comfortable (academically confident, socially adjusted) are the top two issues. If a student, African American or otherwise, comes from an under-resourced high school, or one that didn’t emphasize college prep, they may be bright and academically capable, but not as academically equipped, nor even know what to expect from college. Additionally, for Black students attending predominantly white institutions, not only is there the issue of figuring out the books, but also feelings of racial isolation, neglect by professors and departments, and cultural shock.

Colleges and universities that address these concerns by providing mentoring, student/faculty interactions, academic support, social outlets, and promoting cultural acceptance tend to have higher retention rates.⁵ These institutions recognize that students must not be “cut loose” and left on their own when entering college. Consistent support structures must be in place to nurture students throughout the course of their collegiate experience. Additionally, at the outset of school, students must clearly understand what they’re getting into, and what is expected of them. Many students do not. This book seeks to change that, and reading it is an important first step that every African American college student should take.

The goal of this book (and how to use it)
My concept is straightforward. I want to show students how to maximize their study efforts so they can earn the best grades possible, efficiently use their time, and take greater advantage of the social, cultural, and networking opportunities available while in college. Typically, instead of outlining one specific method or way of doing things, I’ve suggested effective strategies that students can incorporate into their lives and make their own. I’ve also broken down the common mistakes that many students make. We don’t all do things the same way, and at the end of the day, we all must make our own choices. My intent is to provide a framework that will help students make informed decisions and achieve the best results. By focusing on excellence, it’s my belief that not only will more students remain in school, but they will also reach their full potential, graduate with better grades and have a more well-rounded and positive overall experience.

Whether you’re a senior at San Diego State, a junior at Yale, a sophomore at Spelman, or a freshman going part-time to Community College, there’s something inside this book that will help you to take control of your future. Additionally, there’s information specific to students’ special interests and activities (notes for athletes, student leaders) and also a chapter for school administrators, faculty, and parents.

High school students interested in taking a look at what college life is all about should also sit down with a copy of this book. Read it today, then re-read it at the beginning of each semester to get refocused. Also, at any point during the course of a semester, look up a particular topic that you may need assistance with, such as time management, or reading comprehension. As you’ll learn in these pages, studying, and being able to apply what you’ve learned, is a process, not a one-time event.