Academic probation is something that a lot of college students have to deal with, including myself. In case you are unfamiliar with it, academic probation is when your cumulative GPA falls under a 2.0, at least at UMass Dartmouth. Once you are on academic probation, you have one semester to get your cumulative GPA over a 2.0, and if you can not do that in one semester they give you the option to appeal their decision of dismissing me from the school. My grades from my first semester were so bad, that my grades from second semester did not bring my GPA up enough, so I appealed their decision. After explaining my situation to the Dean of the college and a few academic advisors, they had made their decision. They let me stay at the University on probation for one more semester to prove myself.

While I was on probation I learned a lot about myself and reflecting back on it now, it was not the worst thing that could have happened to me.

While on academic probation, you are suggested to see an advisor once every few weeks. Having someone to report back to made adjusting to college much easier for me personally. Coming from a small high school, someone was always checking up on me to make sure I was doing all of my work. Going to advising every few weeks slowly weaned me away from needing someone to direct me all the time.

Being on academic probation puts more pressure on you as a student to do well. This is college, and every student wants a social life to go along with their schooling.

In high school, this was no problem for me. I was smart enough where studying was not something I had to do. That is no longer the case. I've spent so much time studying and doing homework, but I also learned to balance school work with my social life.

Academic probation puts a lot of stress on a student. A support system is something that is well over necessary.

Friends and family are so crucial at times like this in your life. I met a lot of great people since I have been here and they all understood my situation. These friends were a great source of support, since you always have someone to proofread your papers and make sure you do the extra credit for the stupid History class you hate so much. More importantly, your friends and family are there to sit with you and tell you over and over again that you are more than capable of doing just fine!

Not to mention, I learned a lot about GPA's. I couldn't tell you how many times I sat there and calculated my grades and worst case situations.

Although it has taught me a lot about myself, academic probation is not fun at all. It is a lot of work to get off of, and I advise you try your hardest to stay away from it.

Thank you to every single person who has helped me along the way!