Most human beings enter college with high expectations of getting a college degree to succeed in life. Many students are not academically prepared to meet the requirements needed to complete the courses in which they are enrolled. The freedom to become an adult greatly affects the education of newcomers to a college. Half of college students will likely never earn a degree. Characteristics that contribute to a student's college failure are the lack of skills that prepare students for higher education. An important key to succeeding in college is motivation, which is what most students who fail to graduate lack. Frequent tardiness and absenteeism lead to a decrease in the student's desire to attend classes in a timely manner. As DiLallo reported in Paulynice's article, "According to a survey conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles Graduate School, 33 percent of students said they often skip class, and 63 percent of students said they arrive late for class." lesson frequently” (qtd. in Paulynice). Having ongoing absenteeism in college creates a negative impact on a student's academic performance. To get good grades, students must be present for all lessons. Levine, Judith R. collected data showing that decreasing a student's absences results in a higher grade (Paulynice). Encouragement plays a huge role in a student's success in college, without any type of encouragement some students may not put in the effort. Lack of parental involvement is a problem that most college students face. It becomes difficult for students to know how to navigate school-related challenges when they are the first generation in their family to experience college. This... middle of the paper... the absence of the attributes that a well-organized and motivated student achieves. Most students enter college with high intentions to succeed, which over time turn into an entirely different negative outlook during their college experience. They abuse the independence that comes with college, forcing the failure of their education. The lack of preparation and skills needed to earn a degree negatively impacts students' academic performance. Works Cited Paulynice, Roldens. “What causes many college students to fail or drop out?” Hubpages.com. Hubpages, October 31, 2011. Web. November 7, 2013. Paul, Annie Murphy. “What We Can Learn from First-Generation College Students” Time.com. Time, April 11, 2012. Web. November 7, 2013. Pickhardt, Cart. “Failing College: Lack of Preparation Accountability” Psychologytoday.com. Psychology today, 26 April 2009. Web. 7 November. 2013.