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17.4 Going to College Is an Opportunity of a Lifetime—Never Drop Out

2 min readjune 18, 2024

College life is a balancing act of academics, social life, and personal growth. Mastering concentration and skills is crucial for academic success, allowing you to focus on your studies and meet deadlines effectively.

Money management is equally important in college. Creating a budget, finding ways to save, and using credit responsibly can help you avoid financial stress and set you up for future success. These skills will serve you well beyond your college years.

Strategies for Academic Success and Money Management in College

Concentration and Time Management

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Top images from around the web for Concentration and Time Management
  • Concentration allows for effective learning and retention of information by minimizing distractions (social media, noisy environments) and improving focus on coursework, enabling deeper understanding and engagement with study materials (textbooks, lecture notes, online resources)
  • Time management helps balance academic, personal, and extracurricular responsibilities by prioritizing tasks (assignments, projects, exams) to ensure important deadlines are met, creating a schedule that allocates sufficient time for studying, attending classes, and completing projects, and reducing stress to improve overall academic performance

Money Management Strategies

  • Create a budget to track income (part-time jobs, scholarships, allowances) and expenses by categorizing into essential (tuition, rent, groceries) and non-essential items (entertainment, dining out), allocating funds to each category and sticking to the budget
  • Seek ways to reduce expenses and save money by taking advantage of student discounts (textbooks, transportation, entertainment), living with roommates to share housing costs, and cooking meals at home instead of eating out frequently
  • Avoid excessive debt and use credit responsibly by understanding the terms and interest rates of credit cards and student loans, paying bills on time to avoid late fees and maintain a good credit score, and using credit cards sparingly, paying off balances in full each month

Study Habits and Test-Taking Techniques

  • Develop a consistent study routine by setting aside dedicated study time each day in a quiet, distraction-free environment (library, study room), breaking study sessions into manageable chunks (30-60 minutes) to maintain focus and avoid burnout, and reviewing class notes and textbook material regularly to reinforce understanding
  • Engage in active learning techniques by summarizing key concepts in your own words, creating flashcards, mind maps, or outlines to organize information, and participating in study groups to discuss and clarify course material
  • Prepare for tests strategically by reviewing study guides and practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format and content, getting a good night's sleep and eating a balanced meal before the test, reading test instructions carefully and managing your time wisely during the exam, staying calm and focused, and if unsure about a question, moving on and returning to it later
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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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