Belonging Is Not an Accident (Part I): The Six Experiences That Predict Success

Belonging isn’t a soft idea. It’s a structural one.What if the strongest predictors of long-term success in college — and life — have less to do with prestige and more to do with experience?Corey Alderdice, a national voice in talent and transformation, explores the 2015 Gallup–Purdue research identifying six undergraduate experiences that directly correlate with graduating on time and thriving beyond college. Rather than focusing on rankings or selectivity, the findings point to relational depth, sustained intellectual challenge, applied learning, and meaningful engagement as the true drivers of success.If success is built through belonging, then belonging isn’t accidental — it’s designed.For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.