The most crucial key to success in college is learning time management. If you have time management and prioritize well, it is very likely that you'll enjoy college more than most. I learned this very fast, after one semester of a few hiccups in the road.
I have a very busy social life and a very high grade point average, and I get asked all of the time how I manage both so well. Well, mama raised a dedicated gal. I know that I want to be social; I have a fear of missing out, even if it's little things like going to eat with friends, but I also know that these four years are not everything. I am going to need to get a job one day when all of this fun is over, meaning my grades are very important.
So, how did I find the balance to both? I am in my University's most social sorority, but I will also graduate with Honors, and here's how:
1. GET A PLANNER: I can't tell you how often I tell people this. I get anxiety knowing that there are people in the world that live without one.
2. Carry that planner everywhere: That way, when asked if you're free for a certain date, you will know right away.
3. Record all important dates: Your planner is not just for funsies. You need to print your syllabi and add your assignments to the planner. Also add in friend's birthdays, weekends you want to go home, etc. Everything about your life should be in this Holy Grail.
4. Prioritize and plan: For example, last semester I was taking two math classes and I knew I would need extra time for them. So, every Sunday I would go to the library and study extra for those classes. Consider, what is hard vs. easy? What goes towards your major's GPA vs. what is a filler class?
5. Get help: Have people you know you can count on in each class, go to study groups, go to a Doctor and get on Vyvanse if you need to go to extreme measures to stay focused. It's okay to ask for help, especially when you're on your own.
6. Celebrate responsibly: Just because you want to go out, doesn't mean you need to drink. Sometimes, I go as a designated driver, because you will still have fun, you'll get to hang with your friends, but you won't be sluggish in your 9 am the next morning.
7. Surround yourself with good people: Good friends will encourage you to do the best option. So, you won't have peer pressure when your friends are skipping Tequila Tuesday in order to study for Thursday's test.
8. Go to class: Attendance is not optional if you want to make great grades; Things professors say are important.
9. Put away your phone: It's hard, because we are all addicted to being connected, but I often just put my phone on do not disturb while in class and it does not tempt me to look at it as much.
10. Wear a watch: I will never forget this one, because my orientation leader told me that was his best advice for college. He could not have been more right! A watch encourages you to be on top of things, and also: phones die.
11. Limit your drinking: Whether it's limiting the drinks you have while socializing or limiting the amount of times you drink a week, this encourages you to prioritize which night is important to attend vs what you won't miss if you don't go out.
12. Always go above and beyond: Meaning -- introduce yourself to your professors, complete the extra credit assignments, do the most, and be extra.
13. Keep a to do list: Include all items from "take Maddie out for drinks" to "email professor about assignment".
This is my fourth year in college, and I have made the Dean's list every semester since I came to my University. I have also never missed a big event, and I plan accordingly for my social life. It is not impossible -- just find your priorities and get motivated. Make these years the most enjoyable years of your life through a perfect balance of social and school.
