Boone, NC – Student success shows in and out of the classroom at Appalachian State University. Below, several students share their tips for academic excellence and getting the most out of your overall Mountaineer experience.
These students have all achieved high grade point averages, and most of them have received scholarships during their college careers. They hold leadership roles in clubs and organizations, and participate in activities to develop professional skills and contribute to campuses and local communities.
Building strong relationships with faculty is top of the list of advice given by students.
Aidan Keaveney, a junior dual student in applied physics and mathematics, said his most important resource at App State is his relationships with faculty.
“The faculty members are interested in working with the students,” he said. “If you are open with your teachers about what you care about, who you are and what you can do, you never know what kinds of opportunities will come your way.”
Students described how the faculty mentored and guided them in exploring careers, research projects, and internship opportunities—and assisted with classroom assignments as well.
“You have the mindset of a first grader,” advised Jordan Dennison, a major in elementary education with a focus on diversity studies. “Never be afraid to ask questions. Raise your hand and ask when something doesn’t make sense.”
Whether you use a large desk calendar, planner, sticky notes, or electronic organizer – nearly every successful student has stressed the importance of making time for classes, study sessions, club meetings, and other activities.
Malikiya Chirupala, a junior student in community and regional planning, said she breaks down big tasks into steps and sets deadlines on her calendar. “That way things don’t pile up,” she said.
Emily Broyles, senior communications and journalism with a Spanish minor, said she uses a detailed agenda to schedule time slots for each day, outlining activities and tasks when done.
Some students book time for themselves on their calendars – schedule a few hours to go for a walk, drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or read a book to have fun.
“Don’t spread yourself out too much,” warned Malcolm Vaughn, a sophomore who specializes in music education and choir education. “Prioritize the things that will give you the most experience or the most fun.”
Join the club, volunteer and participate in professional organizations. Makayla Wilkins ’21, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics at App State, advises striking a balance between social time and study time. “Get involved in two clubs: one geared toward your study program, and the other toward something fun and entertaining,” she said.
“Being involved in clubs and organizations related to my major helps me connect what I learn in class with real-life experiences,” said Hannah Ross, Senior Management, Management major with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
She said participating in professional organizations helps Ross develop her leadership skills, improve her career goals and build relationships in her field.
Many students have recommended volunteering on campus and in the community as a way to gain new perspectives, gain hands-on experience, and give back to those in need.
Nearly all of the students indicated that their buddy support system is important for emotional support, relieving fatigue, serving as “schoolmates” and making their lives more enjoyable in general.
Ross said that when she first came to the App State, she was a member of a residential learning community and made friends within her classes and clubs. She said, “Studying is hard, but if you do it with your friends, it makes everything interesting.”
Broyles said she feels energized when she studies alongside her peers — “even if everyone does what they want.” She schedules study time with friends at the App State’s Summit Trail Solarium or at the Sanford Mall.
Broyles advised the students not to get frustrated by the setbacks. During her freshman year, Broyles said she felt exhausted and ended up getting a course. “For my personal well-being and overall success,” she said, “it would have been better for me to ease my schedule and go back to class for my senior year.”
All students are recommended to take some time to reset, relax and take “mental health breaks”.
Chirupala said, “Take care of myself is important — because that is what allows me to do well.”
Kevin stressed a good night’s rest. “Get your sleep,” he said. “Every night is not helpful. You will be worse at what you do.”
App State’s academic advisors, faculty, university writing center, student learning center, and career development center are some of the campus resources recommended by students interviewed.
Chirupala said the writing center has been very helpful to her. “Whether it’s a scientific report or an article in English literature, they have people who can help in every category,” she said. Center consultants can assist with the entire writing process, from idea generation to the final product.
Students also emphasized the importance of being aware of and using the tools and resources available to combat stress, burnout, and mental fatigue. “Mental health is extremely important to academic success,” said Alexis Loveland, a leading specialist in music performance.
The App State Center for Counseling and Psychological Services offers counseling and self-help resources to help students address stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
The students interviewed suggested setting long-term goals.
“When you consider what your end goal is — what you want to do when you graduate — it helps motivate you,” Ross said.
Vaughn acknowledged that some incoming students may not know what they want to do when they graduate. “That’s good,” he said. “Just set a time frame when you want to be more confident in your career goals, and use your time to explore options.”
“Take care of your work, mind your classroom, and mind your education and your level of production,” said Isaac Wood, a senior interior design professional. “We are here to learn, develop and push ourselves – so taking an interest in these concepts will go a long way in making you a better student, professional, and person.”
Wilkins, who started at the App State in 2013, said the goals can change along the way. It wasn’t successful at first and I had to checkout twice. She took a few classes at a community college and worked a few different jobs to discover new interests and improve her goals.
After returning to App State, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management in the spring of 2021 and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in App State.
As North Carolina’s premier public university institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to live purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and share their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience fosters a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to gain and create knowledge, grow holistically, work with enthusiasm and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system. Appalachian enrolls over 20,000 students, has a low student-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.