The 4.0 GPA remains the ultimate prize in the eyes of college students everywhere. Whether or not the openly admit it, you are sure to find them locked away in their campus library, falling asleep with a highlighter in hand in the face of a textbook, or lost in the gaze of a blank computer screen. The stress builds as the work builds as the typical student simply wants to achieve the prize while being able to have fun, have a meal, and have a good night's sleep.

But what if there was an easier way? To have the best of both worlds or even not overly exert oneself?

1. Go To Class

It's as simple as that! Showing up to class allows you to hear the professor's lecture, participate in activities, receive the assignments, and take notes! If you're lucky, your professor may have an attendance policy that is a part of your grade. So it is best for you attend to be able to achieve that desired perfect score.

2. Take Notes

You know those PowerPoint slides, those words your professor is saying, those words they write on the board . . . Well write them down! Those are essential to learning and understanding the information of the course. Taking notes will also help you commit the information to memory during class time. Laptop or computer? The choice is yours!

3. Do Your Homework

Let your syllabus be your guide! Don't just write down all those assignments . . . Do them! Homework points count and only help your grade and your mind understand the material. For some professors it does not necessarily matter how in-depth your work is just do the best you can because they may give you completion points.

4. Eat, Sleep, And Take Care Of Yourself

It is essential to your everyday being to eat at least three meals a day. Feel free to snack between meals and drink plenty of water. Don't forget to get an adequate amount of sleep during the night at the 8 hour recommendation. During the day if you feel tired try to take a nap or just relax until you regain some strength and energy. Make sure to also keep up with your personal hygiene from showering to brushing your teeth it is all important.

5. Have Fun

Essentially, do what you love in the mean time. From solo dance parties in your dorm room, to spontaneous take-out meals, to game nights having fun allows you to have that social interaction we as humans need. It also allows you to have some necessary you time away from the serious nature of going to your classes and doing your homework.

YOU HAVE TO STUDY

You may do all those things listed before; however, that is the bare minimum, that is not really trying. Not really trying will not permit success in college whatsoever. Yes, going to class, taking notes, and doing your homework are all wonderful tasks you should do but that is only the beginning. You can go to class and be their physically but your mind can be absent. You can take notes but are you just copying the slides verbatim or are you paraphrasing the professor's verbal additions? When you do your homework are trying to understand it or are you just doing it to get it in done?

All these tasks must be completed mindfully. On top of them, YOU MUST STUDY the material you learn and take notes on. How else would you expect to do well on the course exams without preparing for them?

There is no true way to succeed in college without really trying. You can make your college career easier by studying and actively learning. Studying promotes your success. Studying allows you to get that prized 4.0. Do not underestimate its' powers and significance.

Do all the five steps previous but DO NOT FORGET TO STUDY, STUDY, STUDY and the success will be yours!