"You don't need anyone to believe that you can do it, as long as you believe in yourself and what you're capable of." — Agatha Stephanie Lin

Freshman year of college can make or break your cumulative GPA that you carry the rest of college. We have all heard that grades are important and that freshmen year may be the only year to have fun. With that being said, you will take your easiest, lower level classes freshman year. As you move on from freshman year, you take classes in the 3000, 4000 level, and so on rather than 1000, 2000 classes. It's much harder to recover your cumulative GPA past freshman year. As far as fun goes, you will be able to go out and hang out with your friends any year you choose as long as you are able to balance your workload with your personal life.

"The secret to getting ahead is getting started." — Anonymous

One bit of advice I have is learning time management. Balance your studies with your social life, activities, and job. Learn when to say no, and it is OK to say no at times. Prioritizing, organizing, and being responsible are keys to doing well. If you set a good pattern from the start, it will help you in the long run.

"The world's greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have been consistent in their efforts."
— Roopleen, Words to Inspire the Winner in YOU

Another bit of advice would be to read the material before class, pay attention in class, do your homework, and review for a few minutes every night. Learn which study habits suit you best. Make friends in the class! This will help you in case you miss a day of class and need notes or to form study groups before exams. Talking to your professor can help you too. They are willing to help you if you make the effort and want to do well.

"No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things." — Demi Lovato