by Laura Beth Love

Created on: August 27, 2008

Take a good look at those who excel in college and you will soon discover that they share more than just good study habits. Students who get good grades do so not just because they complete the required course work, but because they know the secrets of how to be successful in college. Some of the common traits of successful college students are:

*A scholarly mindset. Successful students view themselves as serious students. They set high standards for themselves and have great determination to succeed. They are goal-oriented and they know that with much hard work they will be able to achieve their goals. Successful students meet with student advisors and chose their courses carefully.

*Prioritization. Successful students set priorities for themselves and of those priorities, their schoolwork always comes first.

*Scheduling and planning. Successful students stay one step ahead by knowing what projects and papers are due and when. Many students keep school planners or day books where they write down the due dates for course assignments, projects, research papers and exams.

*Recognizing and avoiding procrastination. Successful students are aware of the dangers of procrastination and know that like any other habit, once it begins it is hard to break. By maintaining a daily study schedule, students replace the bad habit of procrastination with the good habit of consistent study sessions.

*Organization. Successful students are beyond a doubt well organized students. They have separate notebooks and folders for each of their courses, and they keep their notes and study materials well organized and easily accessible.

*Established study habits. Successful students start school with a game plan in place pertaining to how, when and where they will study. These students attend class, know how to take notes, complete their assignments as scheduled and also know the benefit of studying with other students. They know their way around the library, as well as all other important student facilities.

*Established rapports with professors. Successful students understand the value of a good student-professor relationship. These students are not afraid to ask questions, or to ask for help when needed. Let your professors know that your intention is to be a good student and they will likely be glad to help you should the need arise.

Finally, successful students are participators, not merely observers. They maintain an active role in their own education, knowing that the determining factor of their college success comes down to one basic thing: their own effort to succeed.

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