OK, so I started dating this guy about a month ago and a week after we started 'going out' he went away for college about an hour away, which isn't bad... but he barely calls me, he said he was coming down for the past two weekends but has bailed both times, and the second time had no reasonable explanation... do I dump him?do I try talking to him about calling me more often even though I have already? What do I do?

No, break off any bf/gf titles you have, but no need to "dump" him. Just acknowledge you're in different places with different opportunities and let it be honest.

You're trying to "MAKE" something continue here that probably can't. You see that already.

You can't "make" anybody a better boyfriend.

The only person you have control over is you.

If you feel that you need to "make" or "change" him or how he behaves, then he is not the right one for you.

Just end it and spend your time finding someone who is already more to your liking, someone who doesn't need to be changed.

Can't make someone a better boyfriend... you can't make anyone better at anything by forcing them.

Seems like he's pretty busy with college, and chances are, you two will slowly drift apart. Since this is happening at the beginning of the relationship, there's really no need to get too deep into this. I suggest you ask yourself what other options you might have, and then go from there.

I agree with the others you can not make or change him. You adjust, compromise, work things out or else move on.
He is away and he has not said it is over so I see no reason to dump him unless you want to move on with your life like dating. Otherwise just hang in there until you see what way things are going.