Are you a new student in your first year who dreams of graduating from your higher institution with a first-class degree? If you said yes, then you need to know and ensure you develop the qualities that will help you achieve that goal.

Achieving first class is not by chance. If you closely watch students who have been able to do well in school and graduate at the top of their classes, you will discover that there are specific qualities that they possess. These qualities are what made them stand out from other students.

Key Qualities to note in order to achieve first class.

They Began Right from the Beginning: How you start something often shows how it will end. This is especially true if you want to really be a first class student. Top-performing students are those who made up their minds from the onset that they would graduate at the top of their class. They took their studies seriously right from their first year in school.

These students are different from those who choose to have fun in their first year and plan to study later. The latter group often finds it hard to catch up with their studies and may struggle to do well in their academics.

So if you want to come out on top in your class, start doing the right things from the onset. Do not miss lectures. Take notes while in class. Take assignments and other academic activities seriously from the onset.

They Are Passionate and self-motivated: It’s difficult to succeed at something you have little or no interest in. When you are not interested, it’s hard to put in the effort needed to succeed. First-class students are almost obsessed with the idea of coming out on top of their classes. This passion is what drives them. Interest is like fuel that can turn average performers into high achievers. It’s a state of enthusiasm that motivates you to do your best and pay maximum attention to something.

When students lack interest in their studies, it can negatively affect their academic performance. Many experts believe that a lack of interest is one of the main reasons why students don’t do well in school. That’s why it’s important for students to choose courses that they have an interest in or are naturally good at. For example, if you struggled with Physics and Mathematics in high school, it might not be a good idea to choose an engineering course. Instead, choose something that you are passionate about and have a better aptitude for.

They Are Focused and Use their Time wisely: Many students often spend time and focus on things that aren’t really important to the extent that it affects their academics.

First-class students make the best use of their time by prioritizing their daily activities and avoiding distractions. Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean one is effective. When you prioritize and schedule your tasks, it creates a sense of responsibility and urgency. That way, it is easier to avoid distractions. As a student, it’s crucial to organize and plan your daily activities in a way that allows you to have time for your studies every day.

Remember, the main reason you are in school is to learn. Learning should be your top priority, and nothing else should take up more time than that. It doesn’t mean you can’t make time for other things, like social and recreational activities, but always remember that your primary focus in school should be on your studies.

They Roll With Like-Minds: There’s a saying that goes, “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.” The people we hang out with often have a big impact on our potential for success, no matter where we are in life. Having the right people around us can make achieving success much easier. When we are on campus, we will encounter all kinds of people—some good, some bad, and some not so good.

It’s your choice who you want to be friends with, but it’s important to be mindful of the fact that the friends you choose will influence your success in some way or another. Surrounding yourself with positive, motivated, and like-minded students can greatly contribute to your own success. On the other hand, being around negative influences might hinder you from achieving your academic goal.

They Don’t Just Study hard; They Study smart: Your success as a student depends a lot on your study habits and methods. Simply studying hard may not be enough; you need to study smart as well. Ever wondered why some students work really hard, stay up late, and still only get an average grade, while others who appear to study less do better?

The difference lies in how they study. The one who performs better likely knows how to study smart. Studying effectively is a skill that can be learned. It’s not just about studying hard; it’s about studying smart.

In other words, you need to know when (the right time) to study, what (the right material) to study, and how (the best approach) to study. Take time to find the best study approach that suits you. We all have different study patterns that suit us. Do you study better during the day or at night? Does group study help you easily understand and learn? Find out what works for you and adopt it. Do not just study hard; study smart.

So take your time and analyse this article.