7 Lessons from How to Win at College

7 Lessons from How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students by Cal Newport:

1. Focus on a few classes and do them well. It’s better to focus on a few classes and do them well than to spread yourself too thin and end up with mediocre grades.

2. Don’t just go to class to go to class. Only go to class if you think you’re going to learn something that you can’t learn on your own.

3. Don’t join too many extracurricular activities. It’s better to focus on a few activities that you’re passionate about than to join a bunch of clubs and activities just to pad your resume.

4. Don’t spread yourself too thin. It’s important to have a balance between your academic work, your extracurricular activities, and your social life. Don’t try to do too much, or you’ll end up burning yourself out.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling in a class, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professor, a tutor, or a classmate.

6. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a part of life. Everyone fails at something at some point. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

7. Don’t forget to have fun. College is a time to learn and grow, but it’s also a time to have fun. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself to relax and enjoy your college experience.

Newport’s book is full of practical advice for students who want to succeed in college and beyond. He interviews successful students from a variety of universities and backgrounds, and he shares their insights on how to make the most of your college years.