The Habit of Success

To make the grade in college, it takes more than just brains. It also takes discipline and commitment. It takes dedication. Basically, it takes good study habits. Habits such as…

Finding a quiet place, free from distractions, to study. That means shutting off the television, taking out the headphones to your iPod, and logging off the computer. The fewer things competing for your attention, the more attention you’ll have for your studies.

Not waiting until the night before the exam to look back on your notes from the whole semester. At least once a week, review course material, quiz yourself on what you’ve learned so far, and write down questions about what you don’t understand to talk over with your professor.

Finding one or two people who are committed to doing well in school, and meeting regularly with them to review concepts discussed in class. The more you verbalize what you’re learning, the more likely you will be able to repeat those concepts on a test and remember them when you need them later in life.

If you want to succeed in college, don’t wait until you begin classes as a freshman to acquire these study habits. Begin now.

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Get in the Game

Looking to improve your mental concentration, discipline, and energy levels so you can make the grade in college? Then don’t just sit there, get up and do something! Playing sports in college is more than just getting in shape. It’s about acquiring invaluable skills that can translate into greater academic success. It’s also about having fun, making friends, and learning the value of teamwork.

The good news is you don’t have to be ready for the pros to reap the benefits of college sports. In addition to competitive, intercollegiate teams, almost all schools offer students the chance to play on different levels of competition, from club teams, where you take on students from other schools, to intramural teams, where you go head-to-head against your classmates. Depending on the school, intramural sports range from football and basketball to running and Ultimate Frisbee.

In college, no matter what your interests or skill level, you’re sure to find a way to keep both your body and your mind in shape.