In order to be successful one should :

1. "If a drop of water falls in a large water body, it has no identity but when it falls on a leaf, it shines like a pearl". Think about the short term and long term goals for yourself and the right place for you so that you can be the pearl at that place. Like what do you want to achieve in life and where do you want to see yourself 5-10 years from now. These goals can be in terms of levels that you want to reach professionally and other things that you want to do in life which at this point might be difficult to do maybe because of money constraints or any other constraints. So, goals in terms of the professional career which in turn will help you achieve goals in your social life too.

2. You should have the sincere determination, dedication and a crave towards everything you do which will help you to reach that level where you will be able to achieve those goals of yours step by step.

3. For this you need to plan just a general framework, about how are you going to reach those goals and what you want to achieve in terms of your academic career so that you can get into a good job which will be the beginning of the ladder that you have to climb for reaching the final long term goal.

4. Be systematic in your approach towards every task that you carry out which will help you being clear about your next step. One should prioritize the responsibilities and carry them out accordingly. Give it a thought about what is important for you and what is good for you and at the same time be humble. Don't be over confident about anything. Keep your confidence level at a point which is necessary to do your work successfully. Over confidence can ruin things by causing mistakes.

5. Be strong at mind and don't be attracted to smaller pleasures of life, dream big so that it will always keep you working to reach that dream. At the end you might or might not reach that bigger dream but in the process you will achieve at least the dreams which will give you a feeling of satisfaction.

6. Last but not the least, have faith in yourself in your capabilities and have faith in God and things will fall in the right place. Hard work always pays off. For some it pays off early and for some it may take some time but in the end the results of the hard work done by you will be good. Also always remember that " Even the word IMPOSSIBLE says 'I M POSSIBLE' ", so always try before you give up on something.

Good Luck!!

Nitin Kashimpuria

Masters in Financial Engineering

University of Michigan

Laura Catherine Strommen

University of Wisconsin

Careers

Hindsight has taught me much regarding careers and higher education. If a student has a clear idea of what they want to do professionally, it doesn't hurt to tailor one's degree program to specifically fit the career. For example, my undergraduate degree is a BA in Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. It was an excellent hands-on degree program that included working controlled burns and participating in prairie, oak savanna, and wildlife management. Shortly after graduation I moved to New Mexico. I planned to work for the State Game and Fish Department. I participated in a variety of advanced Project Wild workshops with New Mexico Game and Fish. They were interested in hiring me. For most state employment, one must go through the state's personnel office to get on a register to apply for the position. New Mexico's state personnel office did not know what Environmental Studies meant. The application reviewers were not well educated and would review applications by words only without any critical thinking attached. They continued to reject my application. I appealed all the way up to the State Personnel Board and defended my degree in a court room setting at the state capitol. They approved my credentials for two registers that I was not highly qualified for, and rejected the one where I was highly qualified. Instead, I chose to work as an environmental educator at local museums and spent a year as the state educator for the Audubon Society. Later, I moved to Washington State and spent five years working for the State Health Department as a Community Outreach Educator reducing exposures at toxic waste sites. I advise students to seek very specific science degrees such as wildlife biology to increase their chance of employment when they graduate. In some states, a student can set up "informational interviews" with state professionals. These interviews give the student a thirty minute opportunity to receive valuable information regarding their career/degree choice, make excellent future contacts, open up internship/volunteer opportunities, and increase their networking skills. It is recommended to follow-up with a professionally written thank you email. It helps immensely to check in with one's contacts with a friendly email once a month. I had about 50 informational interviews when I moved to Washington State and cultivated an excellent network of friends and contacts once I was hired. This technique can work with private business as long as the student carefully researches their prospect before making contact and communicates with professional grace and consideration. Many professionals enjoy sharing their experiences. Many are also open to creating internship opportunities.

Study Habits

I do not procrastinate. I am a highly focused student who has learned time management skills. I find the current culture’s admiration of “multi-tasking” a poor model. I believe in doing one thing at a time, giving it my full attention, and doing it well. I plan my schedule accordingly. I believe in thorough research. I prefer to study alone, unless a professor requires much rote memorization, then a study partner is helpful. I believe in craftsmanship and approach every discipline I undertake as an art form. I trust my own intuition when “under the gun”.

Exams

I spend two days before an exam extensively studying. I do not listen to other student’s fears or advice outside the classroom before an exam. I trust my intuition and focus entirely on my own work.

Professors

If more than one professor teaches a required class, some research may be required regarding that professor’s background and worldview. Professors with opposing worldviews can be excellent, if the professors have ethics and present all viewpoints without trying to bend students’ minds to their way of thinking. A truly great professor will not reveal their own bias, but this is extremely rare. Ask other students about their experiences. University professors are occasionally more interested in their own research than teaching. I worked as a teaching assistant for these professors. They are often extremely arrogant and have very negative views of their students. In my opinion, they are a disgrace to their profession. A little kindness, sincerity, and inspiration will go a long way in creating a productive learning environment. Often professors at community colleges are better teachers because they are not obsessed with their own egos and research projects. If you are a student on a budget and need to work your way through college like I did, you may want to consider taking all of your general education requirements at a community college. Make sure all your credits will transfer to your chosen university. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. Seek professors with an open-door policy or regular office hours. Regrettably, members of academia may be filled with bitter jealousies and incredibly mean-spirited childish behaviors that they express toward each other. This abhorrent behavior may trickle down to effect their students. If you are able, seek professors who are experts in their field and have a passion for teaching. A great professor makes all the difference in the world.

General Recommendations

I encourage students to follow their heart regarding the choice of their degree program. One must be true to one’s self. A student may need to take several classes before realizing what they want to pursue. For those of us who love learning, it is very difficult to narrow the playing field, especially in graduate school. I recommend undergraduate students who are unsure of their majors to experiment with their choice of classes. Education should be inspiring and uplifting, not filled with tedium and punishment.

Marcia Joyce Henning

Timeline for Pre-Professional Students

Summer Before Freshman Year

* Begin job shadowing individuals in the profession of your choice. Make sure that your impression of your chosen profession is accurate.

* Plan your academic year: what classes should be taken (not only those you have to take, but those that you are interested in too), extracurricular activities you would be interested in, volunteer opportunities, work opportunities, etc.

Freshman Year

* Get started on the right foot. Make sure you attend your classes, do your best to get good grades (seek tutoring if you have to, it is ok to ask for help!), get involved early on in extracurricular activities (it is a good way to make friends and make your resume look good too!), get involved in the community with some volunteer work, take on a leadership role or two, and seek a part-time job (not only to pay for those miscellaneous expenses, but it also requires you to build good time management skills and teaches responsibility).

* Continue to job shadow in your chosen profession. Explore all specialties to determine all that your profession has to offer. Be specific. Know exactly where you would like to end up. This helps focus your plans. Graduate schools like decisive students who know what they want and how they plan to get it.

* Start putting together a curriculum vitae. Have a professor or advisor you trust look it over to help you make improvements. Putting a curriculum vitae together early on allows you to make updates throughout your college years, so that it will always be up to date if someone asks for it. Plus, many graduate school applications require the information on the curriculum vitae, so putting it together early on means you won’t have to scramble later on to gather your information for your applications.

Summer Before Sophomore Year

* Begin researching graduate schools you would be interested in attending. Many professions have an educational association such as the American Dental Education Association in dentistry that publishes a guide that contains a profile of every graduate school in that profession. Important information to look at includes: expenses, required prerequisite courses, GPA or admission exam averages, application timeline, residency requirements, how many students apply, how many are interviewed, and how many are accepted.

* Continue to job shadow, work, and volunteer.

Sophomore Year

* Continue to work hard to get good grades, stay involved in your extracurricular activities (or try something new!), take on more leadership roles, stay involved in your community, and work a part-time job.

* Participate in an honors program if your school offers one. If they don’t, take as many upper level courses as you can. Graduate schools love students that challenge themselves.

* Begin planning a research project that you can do with a professor. Seek that professor’s permission and advice. Pick a topic that interests you, perhaps one that is related to your future profession. Put forth a lot of effort with this research project. Not only will you gain a lot of valuable information, but your professor will be impressed and will undoubtedly be willing to write you an impressive letter of recommendation.

* Keep your curriculum vitae up to date. Make sure to include things like degrees earned, cumulative GPA’s, job shadowing experiences (include name of the person shadowed, how many hours spent with them, and a description of what was observed), extra curricular activities, volunteer opportunities, research experience, awards received, work experiences, and possible references.

Summer Before Junior Year

* Continue to work, volunteer, job shadow.

* Begin visiting graduate schools that you are interested in. Graduate schools like applicants who take the initiative to set up visits. It also shows them how interested you are in their school.

* Begin studying for admission tests, such as the LSAT, DAT, MCAT, etc. If possible take the test sometime before returning to school that fall. Not only does this allow you to have all summer to study for the test improving your chances of success, but it also gets the test out of the way so that the following summer you can focus solely on your application for graduate school. This is much easier than trying to apply to graduate school during the same time you are preparing for your admission exam.

* Make a final decision as to which graduate schools you will apply to. Most students apply to 6-10 schools.

Junior Year

* Continue to work hard to get good grades (remember to challenge yourself), work on your research project, stay involved in your extracurricular activities (or try something new!), take on more leadership roles, stay involved in your community, keep your curriculum vitae up to date, and work a part-time job.

* Begin planning an internship, probably related to your future career. Remember unpaid internships are good too! They show graduate schools that you are not just doing the internship for the money (because you aren’t being paid), but are doing it because you truly enjoy that field and want the experience/exposure that the internship provides.

* Begin gathering information you know you will need to apply to graduate school. This will not only make the application process go more smoothly, but it will also help you to get your application out more quickly. Most graduate schools operate on a rolling admission so that the students who apply the earliest are often given the best chances of being admitted.

*Retake any admission tests if necessary.

* Make sure to fully understand the application process at each individual school you wish to apply. Map out a timeline that helps you to keep track of important dates.

* Choose professors/professionals to write your letters of recommendation. Choose individuals who know you well and can testify to your academic abilities, extracurricular/volunteer experiences, work experience, research experience, exposure/experience with your chosen profession, dedication, time management skills, etc. Research what skills/qualities graduate schools would like to have the letters of recommendation touch on and pass this information on to the individuals who will be writing them. It may also help to provide the writers with packets to guide them. Packets could include the topics you would like them to cover, your curriculum vitae, an unofficial transcript, and your admission test scores.

Summer Before Senior Year

* Fill out applications and submit them as soon as possible once the schools begin accepting applications. Follow up with any supplemental applications, application fees, official admission test scores, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation that are required.

* Research which questions might be asked of you in an interview and begin developing/practicing answering those questions. It would be beneficial to have a friend ask you the questions and to video tape the interview so that you can watch yourself when you are finished to see where you need to make some changes.

* Continue to work, volunteer, job shadow, and complete your internship.

Senior Year

* Continue to work hard to get good grades (remember to challenge yourself), work on your research project, stay involved in your extracurricular activities (or try something new!), take on more leadership roles, stay involved in your community, keep your curriculum vitae up to date, and work a part-time job.

* Continue to follow up on applications. Complete interviews and make a final decision as to which school to attend out of the ones you have been accepted too. Make sure to send any final documentation, such as transcripts or deposits, to your school of choice.
* Begin finalizing plans to go to your new school, such as financial aid, living arrangements, and books/supplies.

* Complete a senior audit to make sure all of your requirements have been met for your degree.

* Enjoy graduation and all of your accomplishments. You have a lot to be proud of!!!

Tyler Jerome Kimmel

University of Saint Francis

    My belief or philosophy to success in college or academia in general is quite simple if you think about it. The biggest road to success is for students to listen, keep an open mind and stay on task. Listen to your professors and advisor, they are there to help students succeed. If you hit a snag in an assignment do not wait until the last moment to talk to the professor, they are happy to help. Make sure that you don't fall behind, time management is key for success too. Keep a notebook or day planner and write all assignments and their due date down and look at this frequently.

    Other ideas for success, use the resources provided by the college, use the library and the staff for assistance. If your university has a writing center, get them to assist in writing professional college papers. Also use the tutoring centers provided by the college.

    It is also important to become involved in the college itself. Take advantages of membership of clubs, and social networking, it can pay off in the experiences one has at school, and it's a great use of time and can provide networking opportunities post-college in getting a job. It's also a good way to meet new people and develop lasting friendships

Leigh A. Dudley

Master of Performance Improvement, Training and Development

Northern Michigan University

Studying Techniques and Habits:

I use various types of study tools. I am also a creature of habit; I have created a designated place to study. Along with the designated place, I have created a designated schedule at the beginning of each semester for each class with an allotted time to work on lessons and to prepare for test. I mark on my calendar the due dates of papers, assignments, and test schedules. One of the most important tools I think a student can use is acquiring information from the teaching Professor if early submission of assignments is acceptable. When early submissions are acceptable, it will allow you extra time to study for upcoming test or to work on term papers that are due at the end of the semester.

I create a list of bold faced typed words out of the book I use for the class and define each one. Another important tool is outlining each chapter. This will allow you to read but also write the information acquired out of the chapter. When the professor goes over the information during the class time, you will be familiar with the topics that are spoken.

I also create a test for my self to take on the information that has been given during class. I study the material each week to keep my self familiar with the topics that are given during a semester.

Joyce Ann Wolfe

Master of Science in Counseling

Murray State University

    I would say that the key to getting a high GPA in college is to learn how to study. I know that sounds easy and you may already think that you know how to study. Well the truth is everyone studies differently. It took me until was almost a Junior before I knew the best way to study for myself. I used to have a really long study session just before tests where for hours at a time I would read over the same information. I would still do well on the test however, I wouldn’t retain the information for long after the test was over. This of course made writing papers and final exams where I had to recall that information extremely difficult.

    I started my Junior year studying everyday for about 20 min at a time. I would study for 20 min and then I would get up and do the dishes and come back to my notes and see what I remembered. If I had retained the information I would study something else for 20 min and so on. Not only did I retain information but I was able to do other things around the house and in my life that needed to be done.

    I strongly recommend bringing your books with you where ever you go. If you get caught at a train then pick up your book/notes and try to pick one thing to remember. It’s all about time management. I have and have had a full time job all through my college career and I know that I am not alone. I found that every moment of studying would have to count. I couldn’t afford to read for an hour and not retain the information. Sometimes that hour was all I had.

    I know these days it is very common for people to try to juggle work, school, relationships and sometimes families. I can tell you right now that when you are in any of these situations you have to make time for school, even if it’s a small amount. Get up 20 minutes early or look at your notes while you brush your teeth. Ask loved ones to help you study. Make a game out of word association so that you can remember the material. I am a criminal justice major and I would have my boyfriend try to help me remember court cases by word association. It helped me on the test and we were able to spend time together. You need to make school a priority but you can’t make it your life.

    Learn the best way for you to study and learn how to manage your time. Most importantly try to interweave studying and your other responsibilities/relationships together. Otherwise you will have to choose between them and one of them will lose.

Amanda Elane Meyers

Western Michigan University

Yes, you are right. This is an acrostic that just happens to spell: Magna Tips.

Ruth ann Pulaski

Master of Music

New Mexico Highlands University

Success in college can be guaranteed if you focus on three major areas of your life while enrolled:

1) Resting ~ Make sure you get some sleep. If you are a procrastinator and wait until the night before to cram for a test, keep in mind that research shows that an extra hour of sleep is just as advantageous as an extra hour of cram-studying. Sometimes you will have to force yourself to make time for sleep, but "rest" assured, it is one of the single most important study habits that you can form. Without adequate sleep you will not be able to focus and that precious GPA that you are trying so earnestly to protect will be in jeopardy.

2) Memorization ~ If your professor says it, references it, or alludes to it indirectly -- you should try to memorize it. The ABSOLUTE best way to understand and memorize concepts is to find someone ignorant of the subject matter and teach it to them. Go through the material step by step with them and explain it to them so that they can also understand it. The hard part is finding a volunteer (start with parents and siblings) who will listen for any length of time. Yes, this technique is time consuming, but it is extremely effective. It also works in ANY subject matter -- from English literature to organic chemistry.

The second most effective technique with regards to memorization is making flash cards. Sure, they seem childish and bring back those nostalgic feelings from the days of memorizing multiplication tables, but they are effective. The important thing about making the flash cards is the actual MAKING process. You will memorize ("learn") as much from making the actual cards as you will flipping through them and studying the material on them. Making them is easy. Just take your notes (professor made study guides are even better) and turn each note or fact into a question. Put the question on one side of the card and a correct response on the reverse. Yes, this too is time consuming. As you can see, there is no "quickie fix" in the world of studying.

3) Networking ~ This is just a common sense way of saying "ask those around you for help and suggestions." I would never advocate anyone being an educational mooch, but if the stranger sitting beside you has had your current professor before, maybe she can tell you a little about his testing styles or the types of questions he asks. This is NOT a form of cheating! So many students feel as if they are committing a crime by trying to network to make things easier for themselves. Networking can also include forming study groups or joining academic related clubs. Many times the professors who sponsor these clubs or honor societies will offer you private advice and suggestions for success within their department. Networking is just another way of saying "make friends and work with them."
 

Jonathon Fields

PhD, Educational Leadership

East Tennessee State University

10 Tips to help you Succeed in College

10. Get 6-8 hours of sleep per night; there’s nothing worse than falling asleep in class
9. Eat healthy; stay away from fried foods and the freshman 15, head toward that salad bar.
8. Be active; get involved in intramural sports or school clubs, boredom is the enemy.
7. Be social; you can never have too many friends.
6. Manage your time; always make a schedule. Use a calendar or day planner to keep up on all of your class assignments and upcoming activities.
5. Talk to your teachers; teachers are people too and they can be willing to help you along the way, if you speak up.
4. Be punctual; the easiest way to gain respect is by being on time, the quickest way to lose that respect is by showing up late.
3. Study; know the topics beings discussed before you get to class. Come test time rely on notes, as well as previous tests and quizzes.
2. Track your grade; it is very important to know what your grade is at all times throughout the semester. This will allow you to make up work you may have unknowingly missed or ask for extra credit if needed.
1. Go to class!!! You can’t succeed in school unless you actually go.

Patrick Michael Christian

Southeast Missouri State

Seven Keys To Academic Success:

1. Read slowly and analytically - Make detailed notes to complement your readings while drawing references to other literature and synthesizing information.

2. The professor is your ally - Feel free to discuss the course with your professor and if you are having difficulties, those should be voiced early on so that you can get their assistance.

3. Time blocking - have a dedicated portion of time completely devoted to school work and allow yourself extra time for subject areas that are more challenging.

4. Knowledge is power - Always research more than what the paper or subject matter requires. Additional information can be quite useful for subsequent assignments, making the process easier the next time around. Also collaborate with classmates exchanging information and ideas.

5. Plan for the semester - If you have a syllabus and course outline, do advance reading and preparation for class. Note when assignments are due and coordinate with other course workload so that you are not overwhelmed.

6. Take a load off - In moderation, make sure you give yourself enough time for rest and relaxation where school work is not pressing. If your brain is overworked and overloaded it will be of no use to you anyway. Don't force yourself to do school work when you have a mental block, instead do something enjoyable then get back to it sometime later.

7. Positive energy - Have a positive outlook on the semester, the courses, school work and the professors. Negativity is self-defeating.

Jason A. Ellis Master of Arts in Public Administration University of Memphis

Have plans:

a. Financial plan: complete your FAFSA before or by the deadline to help you determine the cost of your education, your expected family contribution and repayment schedules of any loans you may need to apply for. Most likely your budget will require a long-term adjustment to allow the extra expenses for tuition, books, materials and other related cost. Check with your employer and research scholarship options to off-set your out-of-pocket expenses. Take as many classes as possible with your local community college and transfer them to your 4-year school of choice.

b. Degree plan: the sooner you can decide on a degree plan the sooner you will get a firm guideline which courses you need to take. If you have not completed your core requirements you should do so at your nearest community college for several reasons: the tuition is much lower; the classes are much smaller; you may not even need to borrow money to cover the cost. At the 4-yr school you should plan to enroll in more courses than just a full load because many schools will not charge tuition for courses above your full load. Also, the degree plan will help you maximize short semesters by planning ahead which courses are offered towards your degree during short and flex semesters. Also, be prepared that some courses are only offered during certain semesters so be sure to work out a long range plan. Your degree plan is your roadmap with the most accurate, most efficient and most economic route towards graduation. It will help you stay focused and deter you from dropping courses easily.

c. Study plan: budget your time as you would budget your money. Neither of these resources come easy – but they go very fast :-). Set time aside for studying and homework calculating your out-of-class preparation time at 2-3 times (weekly) the amount of credits a course gives you (Example: 3 credit hour course: 3 hours in class per week, 6-9 hours prep time per week). Build a firm schedule which shows your class schedule, study time, work, and other obligations. Be sure to leave time to relax and also for sleep. Be realistic where you may need to adjust your time commitments. It does not make sense to borrow money for a college education and then fail to follow through on your time commitment. If you are coming fresh out of high school you are still in study mode and should be comfortable with a school schedule. If you have been out of school for a while, ease into it. Start with one or few classes and slowly increase your load with each semester. This incremental approach will keep your adjustments on time, finances and other obligations at a manageable rate. Once you have reached the maximum course load you have reached the highway of your education road trip. You will be moving towards graduation at a much faster speed.

Christa Jones

Applied Technology and Performance Improvement

University of North Texas

SEVEN STEPS for SCHOOL SUCCESS (plus a bonus tip)
From a lifelong student who is also a teacher.

1. STAY ORGANIZED. Why is this Number 1? Because without organization, everything else falls apart. Believe me, I’ve seen some near genius 7th graders who could not get an “A” in math because they couldn’t keep their things in order. Start by choosing a different color notebook for each class and then USE them. Have a place for your books and notes in your dorm. And make lists if you need them!

2. GO TO CLASS. Reading the book is just not the same as being in class. Professors usually make things more clear when they explain it their way. Don’t skip a class or you’ll find it easier to do so the next time.

3. TAKE NOTES IN CLASS. Writing something down helps to cement it in your memory. Plus, it will help you stay alert at your 8 o’clock class. Professors often mention something that will be on your exam but is not in your textbook. You’ll be much more likely to remember it on the exam if you write it down.

4. TAKE NOTES WHEN YOU READ. That way you can use your notes to review, rather than going back to find the important parts in the book. I think this is way better than highlighting your textbook (especially if you rent or borrow). Also, I knew of a student who made some extra cash by selling his meticulous reading notes. And taking such good notes benefited him on the exam.

5. HIGHLIGHT YOUR CLASS NOTES AND READING NOTES. With class notes, highlight and study them the same day you write them. Highlighting the most important parts of class/reading notes narrows down the important stuff even more. And these make for great last minute study guides for exams.

6. GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSOR. Introduce yourself. This will help you feel comfortable asking questions and contributing in class. This also helps the professor determine whether students are understanding the material. Most of your professors truly do want to see students succeed in their classes.

7. GET TO KNOW YOUR CLASSMATES. Classmates can be excellent resources. Form study groups with WORTHY classmates (as in, people who are serious about doing well). Cooperative group work is so valuable because it gives every person the chance to be the teacher and/or learner at various times.

Bonus tip: GET REST! Set aside time for sleep and relaxation. It will make you happier, healthier, smarter, more focused, and less stressed.

Carissa K. Goodlet Master of Educational Administration Youngstown State University

Thoughts on Staying On Task and Sane

(1) Location is key. If you are easily distracted, switch up your study spot . If you associate places like your common room with socializing or your room with watching TV, don't study there. If you can't stay off Facebook or IM, pick a place without free wireless or Ethernet. I recommend Starbucks. You always feel so cool sitting at Starbucks being intellectual. That's some good branding... And chances are, there's at least one (or four, or seven, or eighteen...) nearby.

(2) Avoid at all cost the "pre-study break." You may want to justify this trap to yourself by saying, "Well, I opened up my textbook, started up my laptop, and sat down at a desk... that took some work! I'm wiped- it's beak time!" This needs to not happen. Trust me, the "pre-study" study breaks tend to be the longest. That being said, do take legit study breaks once in a while. Just give yourself a time limit. Set an alarm or something, unless you are in a place where an alarm going off may be discourteous.

(3) Don't rule out places with lots of people or music playing. It's not for everyone, but experiment with different study locations and atmospheres to learn which is best for you. But be honest. The place that's the most fun may not be the place where are most productive.

(4) It's always preferable to not have to stay up late working. Now, you WILL have so much homework that this is unavoidable, but if you prioritize well and do the most important, brain-consuming tasks first, you will only have the less-challenging assignments to do at night.

(5) Don't get into the habit of "needing" coffee to get up in the morning or stay up late at night. Nothing in coffee is good for you, and you only feel like you "need" it because you are addicted to the caffeine. Just like any addiction, this can be reversed. Energy drinks are even worse. Just.... don't. Please.

(6) You do not need to do everything you are assigned. Well, papers and projects are an exception. This mostly pertains to reading. Now I know this sounds very irresponsible, and it IS always preferable to do all your work. But this is not always realistically possible. Sleep is important. A social life is important. Mental health is important. If a professor gives amazing lectures that provide more-than-adequate summaries of the readings, you can afford to miss a few chapters ONLY if you absolutely have no time for it. Don't use this an an excuse to not work so that you definitely won't have time for it. And try to stick with slacking off only in easy classes and core requirements. Classes for your major, or classes with professors you want to talk wit further, should get priority.

(7) As an even more last resort, apply tip #6 to missing classes. Now, of course ditching class is bad. But if you were up 'til 5 working on an essay, you may want to consider missing your 8:15 class just this once to get some sleep. Showing up half-asleep wouldn't be of any benefit. Just make sure you can get the notes from a trustworthy friend.

(8) Join clubs. Explore the town/city. Maybe get a low-stress part-time job somewhere fun, like a favorite store. Exercise regularly. Whatever it takes to get your mid off of classes once in a while. You need to strike a manageable balance between work and play. Your mind and body will thank you for it. It's college. Get the most out of it as possible, which means going beyond the world of academia, without straying completely from it.

Isabella Maria Janusz International Relations Georgetown University

There are many things you should and should not do to help you succeed in obtaining your college degree. These are my few words of advice.

Do not procrastinate; organize your time well. I believe this to be the strongest factor of academic success, once you know the material.

Find what study method works for you! Just because all your friends study in groups does not mean its the best way to study.

Get to know your teachers. I always go to a teacher's office at least once during the course of a class, so that they at least can put a face with my name. A relationship with a teacher can be the difference between an A and a B, or an okay job or a great job.

Also, get to know people outside of your normal circle. There are so many different types of people at college!

Exercise. Volunteer. Keep in touch with your family and old friends.

Make sure you have a great time. School is important, but so is having fun! If you are well organized and disciplined, you should have plenty of time left over to do the things you enjoy.

Start looking for a job early! It's time consuming.

Use your good judgment--jail time never looks good on your job application.

Lindsay Campbell Swany

Masters, Business Administration

University of Tennessee

Working With College Professors Personally and Creating “A” Student Behaviors:

Professors may not always check completed homework, but they will assume that you can perform these same tasks on the tests. So doing homework accurately definitely pays off. Don’t be tempted to do a slouch job on anything. Use it as practice and preparation! Professors also may not remind you of incomplete work. It’s up to you to keep your deadlines straight for all classes.

Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need help. Realize that they have busy lives just like you filled with work, research, teaching, family, and university commitments. Their time, (as well as yours), is very valuable and they deserve the courtesy and respect you desire for yourself. Don’t miss appointments with professors, or if you do, be sure to send the appropriate apology. Professors expect and want you to attend their office hours. They are usually required to have office hours for their classes by their Dept. Chair. These hours are for your benefit. Make yourself available during their office hours first, and then at other times only if you cannot attend the appointment during their office hours. Be flexible. You don’t want your professor to remember your tardiness or absenteeism at appointments when it comes time to submit grades.

When meeting with professors realize that they have been trained as experts in their fields and know much more than you do. While intelligent challenges are a part of learning, criticizing their lectures generally will not get you very far. Professors are human, too, with egos and feelings that can be affected just like you and I have. If you disagree with your professor, approach it with understanding and ask for help in breaking down the conflict you’ve encountered in learning. Remember that college is a time for changing worldviews and perhaps there are “knowledge myths” you have been living by that need to be addressed. If you still disagree, continue to be respectful and do your best to at least appreciate a different point of view. Intelligence is considering opposing viewpoints.

Professors expect you to get notes and information about classes you’ve missed from your classmates. There are some professors who will work with you if you miss a class, but most won’t. They are not there to babysit students or track them down. It is your responsibility to make-up missed class work. Be sure to check in the professor’s syllabus regarding how they handle missed classes and late class work. If it isn’t listed, then ask, but realize that in asking you may be suggesting to the professor that you are going to be “the problem child.” If you are a part of an athletic team or group that travels, be sure they know this as there are exceptions to any rule. Work with them to make appropriate concessions for the times you will be gone that consider the needs of both parties. Address issues of foreseen absenteeism in the beginning of the semester and send gentle reminders before and after an absence in class. Professors sometimes forget and appreciate students who stay on top of things.

Tiffany Sanford Jenson PhD, Sociology University of Oklahoma

    Choice is quite a paradox. When we don't have much say in the matter, we often complain and yearn for independence and autonomy. Then the freedom comes along and we have all these choices to make. And what do we do? We freeze, we procrastinate, we become anxious and indecisive. That pretty much sums up the first few years of college. Choosing a college is the first big decision we must make. That is another topic in itself, but once settled in college the decision of which courses to take, what academic tract to follow, and what major to pursue begins to haunt our minds. I cannot say I am an expert on this dilemma, but what I do know is that a learning experience is never a bad one. Whether you're set on your major, pre-law, or pre-med tract, never fall into the trap of just going through the motions. Everyone's college experience should be unique. I suggest taking at least one class each semester that you absolutely know nothing about. It is definitely a great learning experience, and who knows, you may end up enjoying the class so much that you decide to change your major. Another thing about course selections: don't search for the easiest teachers or easiest classes. It may make your homework load a bit lighter, but if you enroll in a challenging course with a challenging professor, you will learn so much more not only about the class topic but also about yourself and your abilities. And if you have no idea what you are going to pursue, don't worry. Take a broad range of classes. Class by class you'll find out what you are interested in and what you are good at. So when it comes to the paradox of choice, don't be afraid to make a decision. Like I said, college choices are pretty fool proof, for any learning experience is never a mistake.

Angela Condo

Georgetown University

How My Dreams Came True
or Five Tips for Achieving Your Goals

Four years at an American college! I was sixteen when I found out about a possibility to receive my education in the US for free. It was one of those days when you feel inspired and ready to overcome all the challenges. In order to apply for the scholarship, I had to submit a letter of interest, two letters of recommendation, and pass TOEFL, an English language test. I knew there would be many applicants from all over Ukraine, my home county. The competition would be strong but I believed in myself.

Success Tip 1: Believe in yourself no matter what.

    I started with the letter of interest; it was one of the easiest steps because I was so excited about this opportunity and could write a lot about my feelings and future plans. After the letter was completed, I started doubting myself and became discouraged. I knew that it was only the first step and there would be many more to take. At that point, I shared my worried with my family and close friends. All of them were supportive and understanding. After talking with my parents and my best friend, I felt strong and ready to fight for this scholarship.

Success Tip 2: Seek emotional support from your family and friends.

    Then I started to study for the English test. I thought it would be pretty easy since I took many English classes at school. However, when I first looked at the sample questions, I realized that I had a lot more studying to do. I attended 4 hour long English class four times a week for 3 months. I still had to study for my classes at high school after I came back from English class. It was amazing how much more there was to the English language. I felt overwhelmed and sleep deprived.

Success Tip 3: Improve and strengthen your knowledge constantly even if you think you know enough.

    When it was time to submit the documents and take the test, I got scared. I did not know if my Dream was worse so much effort, time, and struggles. To overcome my stress I used a good technique my English teacher once taught me. My whole apartment was covered with posted notes that said, “I can do it,” “I am the best,” “I believe in my victory,” and “My dream will come true.” I think that those motivational statements helped me to get up on the test day without any doubt that I could do it.

Success Tip 4: Self-talk is powerful.

    Tell yourself, “I can do it,” and will!
In August I found out that I was accepted to a four year school in MN. Thanks to all the support from my family and relatives and never-ending faith in myself, I made my dream come true. At that point I knew I could achieve all my goals in future.

Success Tip 5: Never stop believing and fighting for your dreams.

Lyudmyla Petrenko Masters, Speech Communication Minnesota State University