How You Define Success
Ultimately, it is up to you to determine how you define success for yourself. If you are able to start your own business, continue a family business, or start small in a company and move your way up without a degree, do you consider that success? Or will you always feel the need to have graduated from college no matter your career path? Do some self-reflection on how much a degree matters in your own definition of success for yourself.
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There are countless reasons why you really should go to college. One of the most common reasons why students attend college these days is for the opportunity for an increased income and a boost to the resume.
College grads, on average, make much more than those working with only a high-school diploma.
Employers really do look at your education as an important aspect of your resume and many companies wont consider an applicant without a minimum of a bachelors degree. In addition, many companies offer higher entry-level salaries for a college degree. And if you study while you are working, you may be eligible for a salary increase once you graduate.
The easiest reason to go to college: Your career choice. There are just some career paths that necessitate a college degree and there is no getting out of it. Do your homework on the job and career you dream of and check entry requirements, as well as what it takes to move ahead in the field so you know full well if a degree is required.
Use A Daily Planner To List And Schedule Your Tasks
Many students find that using an electronic calendar along with a daily handwritten list provides the best system for organizing their time. Space out your big tasks on the calendar and set alerts for any important deadlines. Create a new list each day of all tasks that must get done, and make sure you have times on your calendar where you can fit them in. Scratch off each task as you complete it. If you don’t finish all of your tasks, then start a list for the next day and transfer them over.
Choose A Professor Carefully
In college you get to select your schedule of classes. Most classes offer more than one section so that you can choose not just the day and time but the professor who is teaching that section. Often you will find student ratings of professors on the Internet. You can get even more feedback by talking to other students. Try to choose a professor who demonstrates the following characteristics.
- Maintains adequate office hours.
- Adapts to different styles of learning.
- Grades fairly.
- Is highly competent in the subject being taught.
- Establishes clear and reasonable requirements.
- Provides a positive learning environment.
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Being Attentive In Class
Use Your Universitys Resources
A strong support system can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your goals. ASU Online students have access to people and services who can help every step of the way.
Isabel Quimel studies business law from her hometown in Alaska and credits her ASU Online support system for giving her confidence to pursue success in college despite personal circumstances.
âAs a transfer student, I love my advisors and the Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services. My accessibility consultant helps me succeed at ASU Online. My advisors also took their time to learn about me and my goals â they have provided me with every resource and support I need,â she said.
From success coaches and alumni networks to academic advising and online tutoring, your university is teeming with all types of student support programs. You simply need to seek them out and make the most of the resources available to you. Remember, your success as a student goes far beyond just getting good grades. Itâs about having a successful journey with individual growth and an expansive support system.
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Practice Showing Eagerness And Enthusiasm
People enjoy hiring and working with those who convey a sense of excitement about the future and their potential contributions. In part, that’s because energy of that nature is infectious. But it’s also because it shows genuine passion and driveâtraits that most employers deeply respect and admire. And by demonstrating those qualities, you’re more likely to land the job you want on terms you’ll feel good about.
Reach Out To Your Advisors And Instructors
Youre not going to school alone. Your advisors academic, career and financial aid are there to guide you and connect you with helpful resources. Your instructors know their courses inside and out and can answer any questions about the subject and offer you feedback on your work.
- Have a great relationship with your advisor,” Lacey May, an online human services student, said. “I can call and know mine will help me any and every way he can. Dont hesitate to reach out to your professors. If youre , dont struggle alone. Speak up and say something to get help.
- Online healthcare administration student Jesyka Garland said, Always ask questions. Your advisor will generally have the answers. If they dont, they can point you in the right direction. I love my advisor. Shes always quick to respond and help.
- Alumna Nancy Uliano ’18 said, Your instructors understand that life gets busy sometimes, so don’t be afraid to let them know what’s going on. They’ll usually work with you if you have any issues, so you don’t fall behind or fail.
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How To Be A Successful College Student
To make the most of your four-year college experience, its important that you figure out how to become successful in college. Ultimately, success during your college years will set you up for a thriving future. Here are some tips for being a successful college student.
Take Initiative
Successful college students are the ones taking initiative in all areas. They introduce themselves to their professors, step up during group projects, start new clubs, and wholly embrace their new environment. Students who take initiative feel more confident, achieve more, and overcome their fears more easily than others.
Start taking more initiative by becoming a doer instead of waiting around for someone else to take the lead. If you have a group project, plan the first group meeting and get things started. Even small things like scheduling your own doctors appointments over breaks or being the first to speak during class discussion will help you become an initiator.
Become Independent
Some adjust to college easily while others struggle. Part of being successful in college is learning to live independently. You probably live with a roommate, but they arent your parent. You need to keep track of important dates, wake yourself up for class, do your laundry, and get yourself food without help from others. Its also important that you assume responsibility for lateness, missed assignments, and absences without excuses. Use a paper planner or the phone appStudious to help.
Know When to Say No
Many Successful Leaders Dont Have College Degrees
You dont need a college degree to be a successful these leaders dont have one!
1. Steve Jobs: Steve Jobs went to Reed College for computing but dropped out after just one semester. After spending some time in India, he went on to build one of the most powerful and influential companies today: Apple.
2. Richard Branson: As a dyslexic student, Branson didnt have much success in school and dropped out of high school. He is now a billionaire, and the founder and CEO of Virgin Group.
3. Dave Thomas: Founder and former CEO of Wendys, Thomas left high school to work for a restaurant in Indiana. He opened the first Wendys in 1969 and the rest is history!
4. Michael Dell: Dell went to college because his parents wanted him to become a doctor. But during school, he started a side gig refurbishing computers that became so successful, he dropped out after one year.
5. Rachael Ray: Believe it or not, Rachael Ray has no culinary training, or any degree for that matter. She used her skills, personality, and tenacity to become the amazing food star that she is today.
6. Henry Ford: Ford left his familys farm at the age of 16 to move to Detroit and work as an apprentice in a machine shop. He has no formal schooling in engineering or business, but went on to revolutionize the automotive and business world.
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How To Be Successful In College: The Recipe For Future Students
By Ashley Brooks on 06/03/2019
You have an idea of what the perfect college student should be like: always early to class, the first to contribute to a discussion, able to write papers with ease and using color-coded notes to study for tests.
The mental image of this perfect college student might have you intimidated as you prepare to embark on your college journey. Youre worried you wont be able to live up to those high expectationswhat if it turns out you dont have what it takes to be a successful college student?
Figuring out how to be successful in college doesnt have to require a special skill set. You might be surprised to discover you already have many of the traits it takes to find student success in college! Calm your nerves by looking at our roundup of tips for how to be a successful student. You might already have everything you need to start your college career on the right foot.
Are You Ready To Be A Successful Student
Knowing how to be a successful student doesnt have to be daunting. With these skills and character traits, you have everything you need to succeed as a college student.
Even with the right mindset, it always helps to have support along the way. Find out how you can get help with our article, 9 Surprising Student Resources You Didnt Know Rasmussen University Offered.
EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2019.
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Studying And Learning Efficiently
Purchase Appropriate Interview Attire
Few of us think that it’s fair, but we all get judged by our appearance. Of course, that doesn’t usually result in any huge consequences. However, when looking for a good job and a start to a new career, you’d be wise to pay special attention to how you’re dressed and groomed. If you’re not sure about what clothes to buy or how to put together a professional look, seek advice from a school counselor or someone who is already successful within the field you’re going into.
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Working While In College
When determining your career, it helps to get some hands-on professional experience. There are many benefits and drawbacks to working during your freshman year of college. The list of pros include:
- Earning extra money
- Developing professional experience for your resume
- The opportunity to develop new relationships
On the other hand, the cons are:
- Less time for coursework and social activities
- Work-related stress
- Your work could be incompatible with your career aspirations
Does work make sense for your needs? Keep in mind that it may make sense to seek part-time work instead of working a full 40 hours each week if you are a full-time student. Furthermore, if you are an online student, you may find that the flexibility of online learning may make working more feasible for your schedule.
Friends To Support You
Making friends within your degree program means youll always have support and accountability, whether its studying for tests or swapping stories about the highs and lows of college life. Youll always have someone to rely on for help when needed, and it makes coursework more enjoyable when you have someone to relate to, Martinez says. Plus who knows? You might end up finding someone thatll be a friend for life.
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Beware Of Credit Cards
Big banks often see college students as easy targets for credit card offers. Think about it: They can generate a substantial profit by charging high interest rates to people who may only be able to afford making the minimum payment each month, if that. But despite their “special student offers” and enticing on-campus promotions, credit card companies end up getting a lot of students into financial trouble. It’s true that building good credit is important. But, as a student, you should probably only get a credit card if you know that you’ll be able to pay your balance in full each month. If not, it’s best to resist.
Move On If You Get Stumped
Every exam question should come with a rule: no loitering. If an answer isn’t coming to you, no matter how hard you’re trying, then it’s best to move on. Hanging out will only increase your frustration and create more stress for you as you try to finish the rest of the test before running out of time. It’s better to stop your obsession and do as well as you can on the other questions. You can always come back to it later if you end up with some time remaining.
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Carefully Read The Instructions Twice
A lot of test takers get points docked simply because they fail to follow directions. It’s silly. Why put yourself in that kind of hole before you even begin? It’s so easily prevented. Make sure you understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the instructions are worded strangely or seem unclear, then ask for clarification. Chances are, you won’t be the only one who needs it.
General College Tips And Good Habits
Of course, there are other aspects of acclimating to college life to contend with. There are some additional tips and good habits that you should adopt in order to achieve academic success. These practical tips will improve your focus, prevent data loss, and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dont Skip Class
First, while we noted the importance of avoiding procrastination above, you also need to also avoid a potentially worse habit: skipping classes entirely. Learning that class attendance may not impact students grades in some classes may embolden learners to simply skip non-essential classes. Dont fall into this mindset. Regularly attending class will reduce study crunch times and ensure you have time to learn the material at hand.
Study Smart
Next, lets discuss your relationship with your phone and laptop. Mobile technology is a blessing and a curse. Being able to do school work on these devices enables you to keep up with your studies, no matter where you are. Unfortunately, this fact has also enabled freshmen to adopt some poor habits. Studying or completing assignments from the local café or your bed may seem like a good idea at first, but theres no doubt that doing so may impact your ability to focus and retain information.
Save Your Work
Make Time for You
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Study Groups And Exam Prep To Be A Successful College Student
Joining or creating a study group could be one of the best tips for doing well on exams. If you meet throughout the semester, you can go over lecture materials and review anything that you need more help with as you go along. Because you didnt wait until the week before finals to begin reviewing class materials, you should find that you have absorbed pertinent information and that there is no need to cram. If your professor gives your class a review session, take it seriously. Write down any notes that could help you later on and ask questions.
Being a successful college student doesnt have to be difficult. If you connect with your peers, take the time to meet your professors, get organized, and plan ahead, you might discover that earning good grades and enjoying your college experience isnt too challenging.
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