Final answer:
Working excessive hours in a paid job raises the risk of dropping out, while being involved in extracurricular activities often improves academic outcomes. Regular study and class attendance are key in maintaining a high GPA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies indicate that working too many hours at a paid job increases your chances of dropping out. Balancing work and studies can be challenging and may lead to poor academic performance, which in turn raises the likelihood of dropping out. Being part of extracurricular activities has been shown to have a positive effect on academic performance, contrary to the common stereotype. In addition, investing time in studying and attending classes regularly can increase your GPA, as study time is significantly more impactful than SAT scores or class attendance once you are already in college.