College years provide an opportunity to grow as a student as well as a person. By failing to achieve in both facets, a student may have trouble becoming a successful graduate, but if sufficient effort is put into both aspects, a graduate will emerge well-prepared for success after college. Moreover, a matured student with a will-rounded education will have a greater opportunity to win a prestigious award that can be used to pursue graduate studies.

Because preparation for the future has much in common with the ideal development of a human for any worthy goal in life, we recommend the following guidelines for optimal growth during your college career.

Give your best effort academically from the very beginning. A low grade point average becomes more and more difficult to raise as quarters go by.

Get to know your teachers and their expectations of you. By learning to adapt to what your teachers expect academically, you will learn to deal with different types of people you will work with in your lifetime. In addition, make sure teachers know you as a person by participating in class and making use of teachers' office hours. By knowing you as a person, teachers will be able to write better recommendations for graduate school and job applications. Also, make sure to have regular contact with someone outside of school - such as a minister or employer - who can give you a solid non-academic recommendation.

Participate in volunteer activities on and off campus. Ohio University offers lists of volunteer opportunities, in addition to those offered by outside organizations such as churches and community groups.

Develop the art of listening in class as well as in conversation. Listening well allows you to respond intelligently and improve your skills in communication.

Plan a reading program that extends beyond the realm of your major and includes topics covering a wide range of fields and studies. Make sure to read about current events as well. Remember, there is a world beyond OU, beyond Ohio, and beyond the United States!

Be able to express yourself well, both orally and in writing. Attend lectures in various areas of interest and take note of the speakers' mannerisms and techniques. In addition, use your reading program to notice new writing styles. This way, you will be able to learn more about your own writing style. Use your knowledge to improve your writing and make sure to write well for every assignment. Being able to excel in writing will put you on the road to intellectual maturity and success.

Learn to think independently and critically, to not accept others' answers for your own. Use your own knowledge to formulate a unique response to life's challenging questions.

Get involved in research under a faculty member during both the academic year and the summer. An experience like this can often contribute to success during your college years as well as later on.

Make the acquaintance of students with different backgrounds, including foreign students. Cultural exchange is an opportunity that should not be missed during your years at Ohio University.

Incorporate your practical knowledge from summer or part-time work and internships with what you learn in school. In addition, keep a personal file of work experience and other activities, along with explanations to remind you of what you have learned from your experiences. This will also help you when it comes time to prepare a resume.

Get involved in activities at OU to broaden your horizons. These activities might include music, drama, newspaper, athletics, or anything else that interests you. Remember to dominate the activity, not the other way around - don't let your activities dominate you by being detrimental to academics.