Students new to a college environment are often baffled about the differences between high school and an institution of higher learning.

Students new to a college environment are often baffled about the differences between high school and an institution of higher learning. Culturally there are distinct differences, when an environment is meant to house and educate adults versus a place designed to cultivate the minds of children. You can easily discern distinctions such as a push towards independence, self-motivation, and the practice of active learning. Much is expected of an adult student and much is required in a collegiate environment. My cognizant ability is secondary to my will to succeed.

Knowing how to decipher the words, of a text, means nothing if that same text goes unread. Formulating a proper argument essay is key to success; communicate properly. A hyper diligent student will be sure to read everything in order to sufficiently benefit from their coursework; in fact they will go beyond simply reading to study and research the topic in order to retain their new-found knowledge. Here is where a desire to flourish supersedes any innate intelligence, because effort leads to greater knowledge than depending on what you already know.

Though natural academic prowess is helpful one can further and even advance what they learn in the classroom by seeking the advice of those with a measure of success. A desire to duplicate the behaviors and avoid the pitfalls of others is another clear example of a willingness to succeed; acquiescing to mediocrity is clearly the way to advance your life. Basing standards of achievement on what someone has said was the intelligent thing to do for such information will come in handy. Having intelligence is one thing, but putting in the work is paramount to receiving praise and accolades.