College life can be stressful. Between social life, sleep, class, and homework, it's a wonder anyone survives. But the crazy thing is, people do! Not only do some people survive, they get 4.0 semesters when everyone else seems to just be trying to pass. So what is the key? What makes an A student? Here are a few things that shed some light on the subject:

1. Learn about something you love

I can't stress this one enough. When it comes to learning, if you hate it, you won't want to learn more about the subject. If you find that you are in a major you don't like, your grades will show it. My first year I was in a major I hated. I never got an A. But as soon as I switched to the major I am now, it became easy to learn. I wanted to know more instead of having to know more. A simple shift will make a huge difference.

2. Don't take study time for granted

I know, you could go to Dairy Queen or McDonald's in that extra hour, but you also have that test coming up in a few days with not much time between. Using that hour may seem insignificant, but in the long run, it could mean the difference between an A and a B. Study in the small chunks of time throughout the day and it will make learning much easier. Cramming is a common way to learn, but it is not the best. By spreading out the study time, you won't end up having to spend hours studying for a test the next day.

3. Know what your professors expect

One professor may want a paper in perfect MLA, but the next professor may want it in Turabian, but doesn't really care how accurate it is. Know which is which. Go to their office, ask what they expect of you. Do they offer extensions when needed, or are they strict about deadlines? Knowing this will allow you to focus on the projects that need your attention.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help

Bad at math? Don't quite understand that one chapter in history? Find your campus's tutoring center. Don't be afraid to use it! If it doesn't have one, find someone who has taken and passed that class. Whatever you do, don't try to go through school by yourself. There is bound to be at least one class you will struggle with.

5. School comes before social life

Friends are great. Hanging out with friends is great. Want to know what isn't great? Failing a class. If you have the best social life of everyone on campus, but don't pass your classes, you've missed the reason you were there. Make school your priority. If you do this, you'll find that your friends will either join you or you will make new friends with the same goals.

6. Go to class

I know how it goes. 8am class without an attendance policy, only two hours of sleep, you'd rather just sleep through this one. Going to every class will help you more than you realize. If you get sick, skipping is okay, but tell yourself every class is as important as a test. In some cases, your attendance will make or break you. Some professors will give you a passing grade just for having perfect or nearly perfect attendance.

7. Take out unnecessary stress

I understand that you need that extra amount of money, but if grades are suffering, there is no point in letting it stress you out too much. Find another job or seek out a job on campus. Don't let stress from outside sources make your grades drop. Financial struggles? Try to lower spending. Do whatever you can to make sure your stress levels are as low as possible.

8. Look for extra credit everywhere

This is something most students will take for granted. The wonderful extra credit. But you have an A already? What happens if you bomb the final because of some outside reason? If there is extra credit, just do it! Don't let opportunities pass you by and end up with a B as a result. If there is no extra credit, ask your professor if there is something you could do as extra credit. The worst they can say is, "no."

9. Don't study where you sleep

I struggle with this one all the time. Don't study in your bed! Not only will this affect your study habits, but it will affect your sleep habits as well. Sit at a desk, in the library, in a common area, anywhere except the bed. This will cause your mind and body to get confused as to which is which, resulting in a poorly balanced school life.

10. Buy the textbooks

We've all been there: "Will I really need this $200 textbook? Nah." DON'T DO IT!! Buy the textbook! If your professor doesn't use it in class, they will expect you to use it in your studies. If it is a required text, you are responsible for all the information within the covers. Don't assume you can just study notes. The teacher may or may not go over the material. BUY AND READ THE TEXTBOOKS!

11. Work with a group

I would say this one is optional. However, if you find that you have a hard time staying on task, maybe you should try a study group. This will allow you to exchange notes, help each other with the hard tasks and maybe discuss key topics. If the class has a study guide, it's a good idea to work together to fill it out.

12. Have someone hold you accountable

It is so easy to be working on an assignment and get distracted by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat... You get the idea. There are so many distractions in our lives it really is a wonder we get anything done. If you find this to be a problem, find a friend who will study with you. They don't need to be in the same class or even the same major. They just need to be someone who can call you out when you get distracted. When you find this person try to study with them consistently.

13. Understand all this will help you

Even though school may seem to do nothing but stress you out, understand that once you graduate you will look back on your college career and appreciate every class you have taken. You will realize you have learned more than you ever thought you did, and know for a fact that it will help you in your future career. Keep pushing yourself and everything will work out. Don't quit, just keep going.