I used to think that the best way to succeed in school was to study, study and even study some more. I realized the saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' really holds true at the college level. College success is more than just academics; it's learning how to be an adult for the first time in your life. It's about developing tremendous interpersonal relationships with professors, counselors, and most importantly your peers. It's the whole college experience that enables one to truly succeed. Meeting new people, opening your mind to different ideas and cultures, and most importantly, the enjoyment of the four plus years that you're in school.

"When the pressure and stress of the semester begins to build and you can't imagine how you can possibly accomplish everything you need to do, make a list. Include everything that needs to be done on the list, including homework, class assignments, grocery shopping, laundry and even partying. Then make a weekly schedule. Fit all of your tasks within the weekly schedule. This will help you to be more organized, less overwhelmed and remember everything you need to do. You will find that there is indeed time to fit everything in. When you have completed one of the tasks on your list, cross it off. Crossing everything off the list is a good feeling of accomplishment. This is also a great way to see how much you actually do during the day and pat yourself on the back for a job well done."

The typical college campus is a friendly place; but it is also a competitive environment. The education you receive there, and the attitudes you develop, will guide you for the rest of your life. Your grades will be especially important in landing your first job, or when applying to graduate school. To be a successful student requires certain skills; but, these are skills that can be learned.

Do you remember what it was like to sit in a classroom? Rows of desks and chairs faced the teacher at the front of the room. Your job as a student was to be quiet, listen to the teacher, and do what you were told. This is an example of teacher-centered learning, usually involving children, called pedagogy.

Many adult learners have a year or two of college under their belts, or may have 50 or 60 credit hours completed at two or three different schools they attended over the years. Non-traditional students considering a return to college can use those past credits and transfer them into degree completion programs at schools like the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Western Governors University and Kent State University. Learn how to turn work experience, life experience, and your older college transcripts into the basis for a bachelor's degree.

At one point or another, you're going to have to write a heavy-duty research paper. If you haven't written one already, you've certainly heard classmates complain about the 28-page monster they had to write for one of their courses. And if you have written one, then you know what a grueling task the project can be. Regardless of how long your paper must be, the amount of time you have, or the topic you choose, some general guidelines exist for writing a first-rate research or term paper. Sharon Sorenson, author of Arco's How to Write Research Papers, suggests the following.

Definition: Non-traditional students are in the news. Why? And who are they

Whether it's finding the money or worrying about tests, going back to school can be stressful for adult students. These five tips can make life a bit easier.

When studying competes with everything else in your life, practice one of our 10 study skills and make it easier to balance school, life, and work.

The art or practice of concentration is to eliminate distraction and focus on the task at hand. If you find that you read through material and suddenly discover that you have no idea about what you've just read, or if you attend lectures and have difficulty paying attention to what is being said, these tips may help: