Many college programs have specific course requirements with few electives. Programs usually follow a particular pattern of course offerings and students take the courses in that pattern. To succeed in college, students must consider whether the plan works for their particular situation. Some students may need to spread the coursework over a longer period of time to ensure they can do the work and fulfill their other commitments. Similarly, some students may need to change the order of taking some of the courses to balance the workload with their abilities.
Successful college students show strong time management, reading, listening, note-taking, exam-taking, critical thinking and research skills. Some come to college with those skills, others develop them. Most colleges offer programs to help students improve these skills.
Skill development programs are resources available to help students succeed in college. Others include instructors or professors, tutorial or lab assistants and other students. Students who get to know their instructors feel more comfortable asking questions about course expectations. Knowing what an instructor expects is crucial for student success.
Approaching college like a job is an effective success strategy. Students pay to go to college so, using the job analogy, the student is his own employer. The student is paying himself to prepare for and attend classes, to study for exams and to prepare assignments. To keep the job, the student has to do the work.
Living well means eating properly, exercising, sleeping, spending time with families or friends and having fun. Living well is one of the elements of success in college because it helps students do better work.