Yes, when you first start college you're the kid who says "I'm going to get and maintain a 4.0 GPA". I'm pretty sure we've all said it, or at least thought of it. A 4.0 would be ideal, however don't get too lost in pursuing this goal--enough for you to forget about the other important things you'd be missing out on while trying to achieve this goal. Here are four things you should prioritize as much as you prioritize your goal.
1. Your work/volunteer experience
Your work or volunteer experience is the hands-on version of your transcript. This is what jobs, internships, etc. want to see the MOST. Yes, you can get straight A's and still get rejected by Google. What prior experiences prove that you're capable of multitasking, working as a team, or individually? This is essentially what builds your resume. It's very important to keep this in mind!
2. Improvement (academically)
What looks better, a transcript with improvement from your beginner classes to your advanced classes, or a transcript that goes vice versa? Grad schools and jobs look for how persistent and hardworking you are academically. They want to see you grow instead of keeping everything constant.
3. Persistency
Applied for an internship or job? Didn't get an offer? THIS one's really important guys. Your level of persistency can make or break you. If you're so set on reaching your goal, lower your standards and try to climb a ladder to reach that goal. Just...don't stare into space and wait for an offer to come knocking at your door. Because let's face it, that isn't going to happen. You have to face failure in order to become more persistent.
4. Socializing
Of course, academics should always be the most important thing on your list, nonetheless, I'm sure you can fit in events such as dinner with friends, attending networking events, joining campus clubs, building connections, and simply enjoying yourself. Socializing is key to the person you become in your work-field and how you communicate with people on a daily basis. After failed friendships and relationships, you become a stronger person, AND you learn what's best for you and which crowd really speaks to you. It's important to know a lot of people, even if you are acquainted with them without knowing their names.
