Mistake #1 – Ignoring curriculum prerequisites – appears harmless until a required course blocks graduation. Comparing this error with the criterion of Academic Planning reveals how early semester choices cascade into later semesters, especially for engineering and health‑science majors where sequencing is strict. Recognizing the ripple effect early prevents last‑minute class changes and costly tuition overruns. Advisors can flag prerequisite gaps during enrollment, but only if students request a review.
Mistake #2 – Underutilizing campus support services – often slips past students focused on grades alone. Measured against the Resource Utilization criterion, the comparison highlights that tutoring centers, mental‑health counseling, and career workshops deliver measurable GPA boosts and reduced stress when accessed early. For example, first‑year biology students who attend weekly study sessions typically improve exam scores by 8‑10 percent, illustrating a clear payoff.