Once the combination of the word “How to” is typed in any search engine on the web it is understandable right away what processes interest people the most. Putting silly suggestions aside, one of the suggestions follows the “how-to” combination with the question, “How to succeed in college”. A simple question like that might frustrate the respondent, specifically if trying to avoid typical, banal, and general recommendations. In that regard, despite believing that there is no universal recipe for success, this paper will try to outline the road to success in college.
Defining Success
To outline the process of reaching something, a clear definition of what that aspect might represent is essential. In that regard, the context of the defined term can be crucial. For example, the success for a businessman might differ, from success for an author, etc. Accordingly, in each context, the signs of reaching success might differ as well. Success in college implies several areas, excelling in which might reflect success. Additionally, the personal perception of success can add up to the mix. The following list can give an example of the aspects that are associated with success in college:
- Academic Excellence – learning is the main purpose of going to college in the first place, so, good grades are a good sign that the student is on the right track.
- Personal accomplishments – having a goal that turned into reality is one of the aspects that define success. The range of goals might vary from reading a book collection, losing weight, or learning a new language.
- Friends and acquaintances – friends cannot be many, and in this case, the main rule is that being focused only on oneself is might not be considered a sign of success.
- Independence – everyone is dependent on someone, and in this case, being independent implies being responsible for own spending and decisions. Asking parents for money and success does not correlate well.
The Process
As it was stated earlier, there is no universal method that leads to success. Nevertheless, there are some guidelines, following which can help do so. Recommendations such as “study hard” might not be sufficient and at the same time sound banal because everyone knows about them. The guidelines might resemble steps, such as the following:
- Time management – there are so many things to do and so little time, so time management can be achieved through making a schedule, in which important events and activities will be prioritized and distributed. The same goes for assignments, course works, and other academic outcomes (Gardner, Jewler and Barefoot 19).
- Get involved – being active is a good way of making friends, and at the same time being recognized in college. Participating in various activities, asking questions (Gardner, Jewler and Barefoot 84), and being passionate about the aforementioned are some of the most important aspects.
- Getting a job – the first step that will lead to getting a sense of real-life and prepare the students for responsibility. In addition to learning to control expenditures, a job, even a part-time job, will contribute to skills development that will help to make decisions in life (Gardner, Jewler and Barefoot 225).
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the aforementioned aspects give a representation of what succeeding in college is about. As it was stated earlier, they do not claim to be universal, working for everyone, but generally, having good grades, good friends, and clear and achievable goals, which are gradually approached, is very close to what success in college is.
Works Cited
Gardner, John N., A. Jerome Jewler, and Betsy O. Barefoot. Your College Experience : Strategies for Success. Concise 7th ed. Boston, MA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. Print.