Along their college journey, students will encounter a series of crossroads. How well they navigate these crossroads, known as Pivotal Moments, can mean the difference between success and failure.
Pivotal Moments can vary across schools, departments, majors, and even individual students. But while individual Pivotal Moments may differ, EAB researchers have found three underlying reasons why students often struggle at these turning points, ultimately affecting their ability to succeed.
Explore this infographic to understand the kinds of Pivotal Moments students encounter, what can go wrong as they attempt to navigate them, and what schools can do to help.


The Community College of Denver
redesigned orientation to help
students apply for financial aid—
and reduced their summer melt
by 8.6 percentage points.
California State University Fullerton illuminates the connection between meaningful faculty mentorship and student achievement.
Learn more about understanding and designing interventions for Pivotal Moments.