Approximately 80 to 95 percent of students procrastinate when it comes to college work, an AACC psychology professor said.

Dr. Matthew Patton said procrastination—putting off an obligation, often until the last minute—affects both active students—those who willingly participate in class and seek help—and passive students, who avoid teachers and participation.
Biology major Aisha Adeparusi said she has an ongoing streak of procrastination and puts off studying for exams until the last minute. Adeparusi describes her priorities as “out of whack.”

Patton said the key difference between those who procrastinate and students who don’t, is their ability to prioritize goals and manage time well.

He explained most students who procrastinate can only hurt themselves with cramming information at the last minute.

“In high school, there was a decently graded project where we had to make flash cards for 250 terms,” first-year student Eric Goins said. “And I waited for literally the night before to even start.”

Counseling, Advising and Retention Services hosts workshops to help students with study, time and organization skills to beat procrastination. These are offered every semester at the college‘s various campuses.