The shift to college life is a dramatic metamorphosis — and even more so for a student who wants to become a better student or happier person.
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Were you too shy, not focused on grades, or focused too much on grades in high school? You can change that in college.
College can offer a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself. The shift to college life is a dramatic metamorphosis — and even more so for a student who wants to become a better student or happier person.
Follow these four tips to make college a transformative experience:
1. The Active Networker Makeover
The glue that makes success stick is reaching out to mentors who can improve your educational experience. Make an appointment with your professor or teaching assistant (send a polite email, or take part in an online discussion). It’ll improve the quality of work you produce and help make a turnaround a reality.
2. The Emotional Intelligence Makeover
The conventional wisdom that only your brain power will get you through college misses out on the fact that college life taxes your heart as well as your head. Your emotional wits will come in handy. If you’re naturally shy, try to ease your way into new situations. Give yourself the opportunity to explore new relationships. Attempting to improve your emotional connectivity with others can reduce unnecessary stress, worry, and anxiety.
3. The Realistic Overachiever Makeover
To be successful in college does not mean you have to eschew all forms of social activity and take up 24/7 residence in the library. Too much overachievement can hinder rather than help. Pace yourself, and don’t overload your calendar. Schedule leisure time to counterbalance your workload and avoid burnout.Â
4. Turnaround Underachiever Makeover
A recent study warns that underachievement in high school can lead to poor performance in college. To avoid slipping grades (and the risk of losing out on your investment) choose a school that has resources available to you on campus, such as your school’s writing center.
The transition from high school to college offers students an opportunity to evolve academically and personally. Take steps in the direction that will lead you to the most personal growth.
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7 Things Every College Student Should Do To Succeed
8 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Year Of College
10 Common Freshman-Year Issues And How To Address Them
