The Top Tips to Becoming a Successful Student

When you start researching ways to become a successful student, and I would argue a successful human, there are a few things that consistently show up: academic planning and scheduling, financial support, leaders and mentors, and learning spaces.

Academic planning and scheduling is one of the areas that can help build the foundation for success. When you start goal planning you always need to start with the end in mind and then work backwards. Once you have an educational goal it is important to start planning and scheduling your “to-do’s.” It has been found that the most successful students are able to schedule classes around their busy schedules. If you are able to keep doing the things in your life that bring you meaning, you naturally find the motivation to tackle tasks (coursework) that ultimately help you reach your goal (CivitasLearning2023StudentSuccessImpactReport.pdf). When you start planning your academic future it is important to work with your advisor to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your degree.

Financial support may seem obvious but we are not just talking about students who receive scholarships and grants to help them pay for their education, we are also talking about work study opportunities. Work study not only helps institutions fill their vacancies but it ultimately helps the student connect with faculty and staff, focus on their education, and build their professional skill set (CivitasLearning2023StudentSuccessImpactReport.pdf). Finding and utilizing financial resources is one of my driving factors in helping students find the right fit. When you graduate from a program the last thing you want to worry about is trying to figure out how you will pay off tens of thousands of dollars in student debt.

Leaders and mentors are an important part of life, no matter what stage of life you are in. But this is especially important to students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. For most of these students this is the first time they are on their own trying to navigate life and the independence that comes with being an adult. It is especially important to have strong leaders and mentors for these young adults. When I am counseling students my hope is that I give them some advocacy skills that they need so they feel comfortable seeking out help and support.

Not only do students need academic planning, financial support, and mentors in their life but it is also helpful to utilize safe learning spaces. These safe learning spaces should provide students with the tools needed to be successful. It is important that students are aware of various learning spaces on campus - this can be the library or shared spaces (CivitasLearning2023StudentSuccessImpactReport.pdf). No matter what stage of life you are in it is important to recognize when it is time to access resources outside of yourself to help you succeed and achieve your goals.

If you or somewhere you know would like some assistance feel free to reach out at info@atozeducationalconsulting.com or 612.735.1261.