21 Successful Student Suggestions

1. Select your program based on your interest(s). When you are passionate and driven about your studies that will hopefully lead you to your career choice, you will tend to be motivated to continue on, even if things are not necessarily going well.

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2. Read the syllabus and/or program outline. Find out the topics in advance that you will be studying. This should help you to determine if you made a wise choice or were misinformed. For example, you may enjoy finance; however, finance could be insurance, banking, economics or business, etc. Or, maybe a professional writing program will be better suited for you, as opposed to majoring in English, which entails more of literature, poetry and humanities. 3. Get to know your teachers/professors and/or teaching assistants. Learn about their marking style, expectation about studying, doing homework (1 hour daily minimum per subject), class participation, and handing in assignments.

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4. Aim for great grades; hopefully, you will perform well. If you are in college, you’ll need to have a “B” grade average to receive transfer credits and advance standing at a university. Similarly, you’ll need at least a “B+” grade (usually higher) to be granted acceptance in most university Masters or Doctorate graduate programs. This information will put you on the right path. (Sometimes, high school students with low grades who are over 21 or out of school 2 years may be granted acceptance into a community college/university as a mature student; they also take your work/volunteer experience, and leadership skills to make a final decision.) 5. Make a monthly budget and follow it. Can your monthly income pay for your monthly bills? Do you have established savings to help you out? Do you have family to help you out financially? 6. Find out what style of learning works best for you. (independent reading, multi-media training, PowerPoint presentations, computer-based modules, distance learning on the Internet, video game assimilation, group studying, skills testing reviews, taking notes from a lecture, or using arts/sports/ entertainment based learning, etc.) 7. Determine how your education will enable you to find gainful employment. Research the labour market trends for your industry. Will the general income/salary band be enough to live on (and pay back your loans)? 8. Can you work part-time while you are in school? Do you need to work in your industry of choice, or do you need to work in a miscellaneous survival job? Some studies are too intense for you to work in it while studying. Maybe an entry level survival job may be better suited for you. Choose wisely. 9. Network with friends, acquaintances, faculty, and professors, etc. Believe it or not, 60% of jobs are not posted. Also, most opportunities are shared between familiar contacts and referral sources. Constantly meet new people. 10. “If ever you are losing score, just remember what you are striving for.” Sometimes, we may get discouraged. Things may not go as according to our plans. Always acknowledge the good and bad in order to stay focused. 11. Reduce your stress! Get involved with recreational activities, vocational courses, exercise programs, praying, mediating, gardening, music performance/ appreciation, concerts, theatre/stage shows, watching movies, plus socializing with long time friends and new acquaintances. 12. Benefit from sufficient rest. Try not to over or under sleep, as well-rested people tend to be the most productive and accomplished. 13. Acknowledge why your goals mean so much to you. Sometimes, we are motivated by money, fame, social acceptance, family, or friendship. 14. Consider volunteering and/or participating in school social clubs or committees. Getting involved will help you to get new energy, build network contacts and a possible reference. 15. Ensure that you eat. Sometimes, when we are studying, we forget to eat. Healthy food and drink will help replenish our bodies when we get low energy or become weak. It is also difficult to learn on an empty stomach; we need our blood sugars to be at a moderate level. 16. Enter various contests. Students have a variety of contests to choose from. Some will give you free stuff, discounts or coupons. 17. Apply for scholarships, bursaries, and grants via your school’s financial aid department. Most financial aid programs are geared to students with a financial need, as assessed by certain criteria. 18. Make a daily, weekly and monthly schedule. Being organized will help you to excel in life, not just your studies. Time just slips away from us, especially when we don’t have an action plan, a contingency plan (back up), or check in dates. Making and using a schedule will maximize your productivity. 19. Socialize. It’s an excellent way of networking and having fun. Meet new people. Explore new ideas. Get cultured. 20. Take a break. Make sure that you schedule time to relax. Chill out! 21. Celebrate each milestone, not just your major accomplishments! Be proud of yourself every step of the way on your route to be a Successful Student. All the best! $UCCE$$FUL Vernal Banton is a duly noted life skills author and coach who trains youth, young adults and adult newcomers on various hot topics including demystifying consumer credit and finance, gainful employment, independent living, home buying, superior sales and service, and successful living. You can find out more about his profile and media appearances at VernalBanton.com or by contacting vernal@email.com.

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