1.6 Let’s Talk about Success

What does “success” actually mean in college? Good grades? That’s what many students would say—at least toward the beginning of their time in college. But when you ask people about their college experience a few years later, grades are seldom one of the first things mentioned. College graduates typically emphasize the following:

When you are achieving what you want in life, when you are happy and challenged and feel you are living life to its fullest and contributing to the world, then you likely feel successful. When you reach this point, your grades in college are about the last thing you’ll think of.

But that doesn't mean that grades don’t matter—just that getting good grades is not the ultimate goal of college or the best way to define personal success while in college. Five or ten years from now, no one is going to care much about what grade you got in Freshman English or Biology 101. Success in college does include acceptable grades, of course, but in the end—in your long-range goals—grades are only one part of a larger picture.

Psychologist Angela Duckworth has conducted important research that suggests that success, whether as a college student or later in a career, comes more from what she calls grit—a blend of passion and persistence—than from some natural talent or skill. Her research helps answer the question of why some people succeed and others fail. More important, grit is a quality one can personally develop. It does not depend on talent or IQ score. Watch this short video in which she explains what grit is and how it matters, and how you can direct your efforts in positive ways. Grit begins with discovering your own passions and becoming optimistic about your success, and then persisting. Chapter 2 “Staying Motivated, Organized, and on Track” will help you become motivated in these directions.

Valuing grades either too highly, or not highly enough, can cause problems. A student who is determined to get only the highest grade can be frustrated by difficult college classes. Expectations that are too high may lead to disappointment, and possibly depression or anxiety, and these affect learning. At the other extreme, a student who is too relaxed about grades, who is content simply with passing, may not be motivated to study enough even to pass—and may be at risk for failing courses.

Here are some ways grades clearly do matter:

What about after graduation? In some careers it may be enough just to have completed the program or degree. But in many situations, how well one did in college does matter. Employers often ask how you did in college (new graduates at least—this becomes less important after you have more job experience). Students who are proud of their grades usually include their GPA on their resume. Students with a low GPA may avoid mentioning it, but employers may ask on the company’s application form or in an interview (and being caught in a lie can lead to being fired). An employer who asks for a college transcript will see all your grades, not just the overall GPA.

In addition to the importance for jobs, grades matter if you plan to continue to graduate schoolA division of a university with masters or doctorate degree programs, typically first requiring completion of a bachelor’s degree., professional schoolAn academic program to prepare for certain professions after completion of a bachelor’s degree, such as medical school, law school, business school, and others., or other educational programs—all of which require your transcript.

The best attitude to take toward grades in college is simply to do the best you can do. There's no need to torture yourself, but if you’re not going to make an effort then there’s not much reason to be there in the first place. Almost everything in this book—from time management to study skills to social skills and staying healthy—will contribute to your overall success and, yes, to getting better grades.

If you have special concerns about grades, such as feeling unprepared and at risk of failing a certain class, talk with your academic advisor. If a class requires more preparation than you have from past courses and experience, you might be urged to drop that class and take another—or to seek extra help. Your advisor can help.

So far we've talked mostly about grades, but that's not all that matters for success. Sometimes a student will work hard to get good grades but do very little else, thinking the GPA and degree are all that matter. But a future employer or graduate program is looking for other things too, such as the ability to act independently, to show initiative or leadership, to work well in a group, to find creative solutions, and many other qualities. Grades alone can’t show these qualities. They may show only that you're smart or know how to study and take tests.

So don't obsess over grades so much that you forget other aspects of the college experience. What you do in a job while a student, or your success as a volunteer or paid intern, or your leadership in group projects as noted by your instructor in a letter of recommendation—all these are also important for your future. 

The first year of college is usually the most crucial time. Statistics show a much higher drop-out rate in the first year than thereafter. Why? Because for many students, adjusting to college is not easy. You may have to wrestle with managing your time; your freedom; and your other commitments to family, friends, and work. It’s important to recognize that it may not be easy for you.

On the other hand, when you do succeed in your first year, the odds are very good that you can continue to succeed and complete your program or degree. Motivation and a positive attitude are the keys to getting off to a running start. Check out the following video “The Habits of Highly Successful Students—Seven Best Study Tips From a College Professor” to learn about the habits of successful students.