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1 What it means to be successful in college

1. Defining Success

● Traditional Definition: Success is often defined as the accomplishment of an aim or

purpose, or the attainment of fame, wealth, or social status.
● Oxford Dictionary's Broader Definition: Success also refers to "the good or bad outcome
of an undertaking," emphasizing that success is not always positive.
● Question to Reflect On: Do you need a positive outcome to consider something
successful?

Example Scenario:

● Challenge in College: If you're taking a difficult course in a subject you struggle with
(e.g., math or English), putting in extra effort but ending up with a "C" instead of an "A"
can feel disappointing. However, the effort and progress made should still be viewed as
a success, even if the grade does not reflect it.
● Growth from Effort: Even if the result isn't as expected (like walking part of a 5k race),
completing the task is still an accomplishment.
● All-or-Nothing Stance: People often see success as binary—either you succeed
completely or not at all (e.g., getting an "A" vs. "C").

2. Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

● Fixed Mindset: People with a fixed mindset may believe their abilities are unchangeable.
In the example above, someone with a fixed mindset might give up, thinking "I’m just not
good at this."
● Growth Mindset: Those with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed
through effort and learning. In the case of struggling in a class, using strategies like
visiting office hours or adopting new study techniques demonstrates a growth mindset.
● Dweck's Research: Carol Dweck’s work shows that adopting a growth mindset can lead
to greater resilience and long-term success.

3. Success Beyond College

● Success is Ongoing: The Latin origin of “success” (from succedere) means to "come
close after." This implies that success is not a single point of achievement, but a
continuous process.
● What Comes After College? Earning a degree is a significant accomplishment, but it’s
just the beginning. After graduation, the next steps—whether it’s starting a career,
traveling, or exploring other opportunities—are also part of your ongoing success.
● Personal Definition of Success: Everyone’s path after college will look different, and that
path can be tailored to one’s personal goals and values.

4. The Importance of Purpose

 ● Purpose and Fulfillment: Success is not only about getting a degree but also about what
you do with it afterward. Understanding your purpose helps you navigate life after
college.
● Reflecting on Why You Are in College: The initial reason for pursuing higher education
may be clear (getting a degree, improving career prospects), but understanding deeper
motivations is crucial. This can include personal fulfillment, career aspirations, or a
desire to contribute to society.

5. Values and Decision Making

● What Are Values? Values are the beliefs that guide your thoughts, behaviors, and
decisions. They shape how you interact with the world and can influence major life
choices.
● Activity: Reflect on your values and identify which are most important to you.
Understanding your values helps you make better decisions, especially when conflicts
arise (e.g., when others ask you to do something inconsistent with your values).
● Values and Regret: Looking back on decisions you regret, you might realize that not
aligning them with your core values played a role.

6. The “Five Whys” Technique

● Purpose Exploration: To better understand your reason for being in college, you can use
the "Five Whys" technique. This method involves asking "Why?" repeatedly to dig
deeper into your motivations.

Example:

● Why are you in college? To earn a degree.

● Why do you want a degree? To improve my career prospects.
● Why is career improvement important? So I can help others with my work.
● Why do you want to help others? Because I value making a positive impact in the world.
● Reflection: This exercise helps clarify your underlying purpose for college and aligns it
with your values. This deeper understanding can motivate you through the challenges of
college life.

7. Why College?

● Not Mandatory or Free: Unlike K-12 education, college is a choice that involves a
commitment of time, money, and effort. You’ve likely overcome challenges to get here,
and perseverance is essential to complete the journey.
● Dedication and Hard Work: Earning a degree takes more than just academic
performance—it requires focus, dedication, and a clear understanding of why you're
pursuing higher education.

8. Values in Decision Making

 ● Activity: Identify Your Values: Reflect on what values are important to you, using a list of
potential values to guide your thinking.
● Impact of Values: Understanding your values can help when making tough decisions. If
you act in alignment with your values, it’s easier to stay on track to meet your goals.
● Conflicting Values: Sometimes your values might conflict with each other, and in such
cases, it’s important to make decisions that align with your most important beliefs.

9. The Rules for Success

● Understanding Success: To achieve success in college, you need more than just time
and effort. You also need practical knowledge, strategies for overcoming obstacles, and
an understanding of why you are there.
● Foundation for Success: This chapter sets the stage for building a successful college
experience by helping you define your values, understand your purpose, and apply
these insights to the practicalities of academic life.

1.2 How to navigate the world of higher education

The Language of Higher Education:

● Understanding Terminology: College has its own unique vocabulary, and grasping key
terms like syllabus, office hours, plagiarism, and attendance policy can be critical for
success.
○ Syllabus is the roadmap for the course, containing essential details like grading
policies, deadlines, and the professor’s expectations.
○ Office hours are crucial for building relationships with professors and getting help
with coursework.
○ Plagiarism is taken seriously in college and can have severe consequences.
Always be sure to attribute your sources correctly.
○ Attendance policy can vary by class, and it’s important to understand what is
expected of you.

Cultural and Academic Adjustments:

● The Role of Professors: Unlike high school teachers, college professors juggle multiple
responsibilities such as research, mentoring, and committee work. Understanding their
diverse roles will help you manage expectations and communicate more effectively.
● Self-Responsibility in Learning: College requires more self-directed learning than high
school, and the expectation is that students will take more responsibility for tracking and
monitoring their progress.
● Changing Dynamics of Grades and Learning:
○ Grades in college are often fewer but more significant, meaning initial low grades
can have lasting impacts.
 ○ Learning happens more independently, and it’s up to the student to utilize
resources, manage time, and adapt study strategies.

Adjusting to College Life:

● Six Areas of Adjustment:

1. Academic: Adjusting to more rigorous coursework and a greater degree of
personal responsibility for learning.
2. Cultural: Interacting with a diverse range of people from various backgrounds and
beliefs.
3. Emotional: Navigating stress and homesickness while developing emotional
coping strategies.
4. Financial: Managing your finances independently and understanding the costs of
a college education.
5. Intellectual: Shifting to a mindset of critical thinking and applying concepts to
real-world scenarios.
6. Social: Navigating new social environments, making connections with peers, and
dealing with potential changes in personal relationships.

Strategies for Success:

● Building Relationships: Establishing rapport with professors can significantly enhance

your college experience. This can lead to mentorship, recommendations, and potential
career opportunities.
● Seek Support: It's normal to need help navigating college, and there are numerous
resources on campus such as tutoring centers, career advising, and counseling services.
● Critical Thinking: College pushes students to engage deeply with material, apply
theories, and approach new ideas with curiosity and skepticism.
● Managing Stress: As you face the challenges of college life, developing emotional
resilience and finding effective ways to cope with stress will be key to your success.

Key Takeaways for New College Students:

● College is a transition that requires adaptability. You will need to learn new systems,
language, and expectations.
● Self-advocacy is crucial: Recognize when you need help and seek out the resources
available to you.
● The responsibility for your success is largely in your hands. This includes managing your
time, finances, and learning progress.

1.3 How to be an active listener

Passive vs. Active Learning:

 ● Passive Learning involves minimal engagement, such as not attending class, not
preparing for exams, or not taking responsibility for understanding the material. This
often leads to poor performance and frustration at the end of the semester.
● Active Learning, in contrast, requires intentional participation, taking responsibility for
your learning, and engaging deeply with the material. Active learners are proactive and
take charge of their education to ensure success.

The S.M.A.R.T. Active Learner Framework:

1. S - Speak Up:

● Participate in Class Discussions: Active learners engage in dialogue with professors and
peers, which helps solidify their understanding of the material. Speaking up in class
encourages you to think critically and apply concepts to new situations.
● Challenge Yourself: Overcoming the fear of making mistakes is crucial. A growth mindset
(embracing challenges and learning from mistakes) is essential for growth and
development in college.

2. M - Make Connections:

● Think Deeply About the Material: To move information from short-term memory to
long-term memory, you must connect new knowledge with what you already know. This
helps reinforce the learning process.
● Neuroscience of Learning: Repetition and practice strengthen neural connections in the
brain, improving recall and mastery. Strategies like chunking, mnemonics, and the
testing effect (practicing retrieval) can significantly enhance memory and understanding.
● Memory-Enhancing Strategies:
○ Chunking: Breaking information into manageable parts (e.g., memorizing a phone
number in chunks).
○ Mnemonic Devices: Using acronyms or acrostics to aid recall (e.g., HOMES for
the Great Lakes).
○ Method of Loci: Visualizing concepts along a familiar route to improve memory
recall.

3. A - Attend Class, Be Prepared, and Pay Attention:

● Preparation: To get the most out of class, it’s essential to prepare by reviewing your
syllabus, reading ahead, and ensuring you’re mentally and physically ready. Sleep plays
a significant role in learning, so prioritizing rest is critical.
● Note-taking: Effective note-taking helps with retention and understanding. Avoid
distractions like social media, and actively engage with the material during class to
deepen your understanding.

4. R - Respect Others and Limit Distractions:

 ● Create a Conducive Learning Environment: A good learning environment is free from
distractions, and all students should be respectful of their peers and instructors. This
includes silencing phones and not engaging in side conversations during lectures.
● Critical Thinking: College encourages open-mindedness, and engaging with diverse
perspectives helps strengthen your ability to think critically.
● Distractions: While technology can enhance learning, it’s important to strike a balance.
Don’t let personal devices become a distraction, and be purposeful when using them for
class activities.

5. T - Track Deadlines and Plan Ahead:

● Plan from Day One: It’s crucial to review your syllabus on the first day of class and note
all key deadlines (e.g., assignments, exams, papers).
● Time Management: College is about balancing multiple tasks at once. By planning
ahead and spacing out study sessions, you can avoid last-minute cramming and ensure
consistent progress throughout the semester.
● Organize Tasks: Use a planner, calendar, or digital tool to track assignments and
deadlines. Planning ahead will help you avoid being overwhelmed by large assignments
or multiple exams happening at once.

Additional Tips for Active Learning:

● Engage with Class Material: Try to apply the information you’re learning to real-life
scenarios. This makes it easier to understand and remember.
● Seek Feedback: Actively ask for feedback from your professors or peers to improve and
adjust your learning strategies.
● Manage Stress and Stay Healthy: College can be demanding, so finding healthy ways to
manage stress (such as exercising, meditating, or taking breaks) is important for
maintaining your overall well-being.

The Importance of Mindset:

● Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities to learn and
grow. This mindset is critical for overcoming difficulties in your academic journey.
● Responsibility: Ultimately, your success is in your hands. College is an environment that
encourages independence, and being proactive in managing your studies will set you up
for success.