1. Answer thequestion, "Why am I going to college?"回答问题：“我为什么要上大学？”

Many college students really don't have a clearreason for being there other than the fact that they don't knowwhat else to do yet. They inherit goals fromfamily and peers which aren't truly their own. What are you thereto learn? What do you want to experience?

很多大学生对于上大学都没有明确的原因，除了一个事实——不知道还有其它的事可以做。他们的目标不是出于内心而是根植于家庭以及同伴。你在这里学什么？你想要经历体验什么？

2. Imagine yourideal college experience。

想象你的大学生活

Once you know why you're going to university,imagine your ideal outcome. Whether you'vealready started university or not, stop and simply write down someattributes of your ideal experience. Describe it in as much detailas you can. Real life will of course turn out differently than youvisualize. The point of visualization¹ is to giveyou more clarity for making decisions right now。

一旦明确了上大学的目的，就想象一下最完美的结局。无论你是否已经开始了你的大学生活，停会儿，把你的一些完美畅想的特点都简单地写下来。尽可能地描述详细。真实的生活当然会不同于你的想象。但想象的关键在于可以帮助你现在更好地做决定。

3. Take at leastone extra class each semester。

每学期至少要报一门选修课

The real benefit to a dense² schedule isn't thatyou'll graduate sooner. The real benefit is thatyou'll enjoy a richer experience. This sort ofthing sure looks great on a resume。

紧凑的学习计划的真正好处不是你能很快毕业。真正的好处是你可以享受一个更丰富的经历。而且这也会给你的简历锦上添花。

4. Set clear goalsfor each class。

每个课程都确立目标

Decide what you want out of each specific class.Sometimes you'll achieve your goals; sometimes youwon't. Even if you do your best, you may stillfall short. You'll have to pick your battles.

Some are worth fighting; others are best ignored。

考虑决定好你想从每个课程里得到什么。有时你会达到你的目标，有时不会。尽管你尽力了，但你有可能仍然失败。你要选择你的战场。有些值得战斗，有些完全可以忽略。

5. Triageruthlessly。

有所取舍

You don't need to put an equal amount of effortinto every class. Inject extra effort when it'simportant to you, but feel free to back off a little from classesthat are a low priority based on your specific goals。

你无须对每一个课程都付出同样的努力。重要的课程可以多加把劲，但对于那些对你的目标无足轻重的课程可以松懈一点。