BOONE, N.C. — Student success shows up both inside — and outside — the classroom at Appalachian State University. Below, several students share their tips for excelling academically and making the best of their overall Mountaineer experience.

These students have all achieved strong grade-point averages, and most have been awarded scholarships during their college careers. They hold leadership roles in clubs and organizations, and participate in activities to develop professional skills and to contribute to the campus and local communities.

Some of their strategies for success:

1) Have a front-row mentality.

Building strong connections with faculty tops the list of advice from students.

Aidan Keaveney, a junior double majoring in physics-applied physics and mathematics, said the top resource for him at App State has been his relationships with faculty.

“Faculty are interested in working with students,” he said. “If you are open with your instructors about what you are interested in, who you are and what you are capable of, you never know what kinds of opportunities will come your way.”

Students described how faculty mentored and guided them in career exploration, research projects and internship opportunities — and provided help in classroom assignments as well.

“Have a front-row mentality,” advised Jordan Dennison '21, a graduate student in App State's reading education program who earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in December 2021. “Never be afraid to ask questions. Raise your hand and ask when something doesn’t make sense.”

2) Keep a calendar.

Whether using a big desk calendar, a planner, sticky notes or an electronic organizer — almost every successful student stressed the importance of blocking out time for classes, study sessions, club meetings and other activities.

Malikia Cherubala, a junior majoring in community and regional planning, said she breaks up large assignments into steps and marks deadlines on her calendar. “That way things don’t pile up,” she said.

Senior Emily Broyles, a communication, journalism major with a Spanish minor, said she uses a detailed agenda to schedule time blocks for each day, marking off activities and tasks when completed.

Some students block off time for themselves on their calendars — scheduling a few hours to go for a hike, drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or read a book for enjoyment.

“Don’t spread yourself too thin,” cautioned Malcolm Vaughn, a sophomore majoring in music education-choral music education. “Prioritize the things that will give you the most experience or the most enjoyment.”

3) Get involved outside the classroom.

Join a club, volunteer and participate in professional organizations. Makayla Wilkins ’21, who is pursuing her Master of Science in applied data analytics at App State, advises a balance of social time and study time. “Get involved with two clubs: one geared toward your program of study, and one toward something fun and recreational,” she said.

“Getting involved in clubs and organizations that are tied to my major helps me relate what I’m learning in the classroom to real-life experiences,” said Hannah Ross '21, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in management from App State in December 2021.

Involvement in professional organizations helped Ross develop leadership skills, refine her career goals and build relationships within her industry, she said.

Many students recommended volunteering on campus and in the community as a way to garner new perspectives, gain practical experience and give back to those in need.

4) Study with friends.

Almost all of the students cited their support system of friends as important for emotional support, relieving burnout, acting as “study buddies” and making their lives more enjoyable overall.

Ross said when she first came to App State, she was a member of a Residential Learning Community and formed friendships within her classes and clubs. She said, “Studying is hard, but if you do it with your friends, it makes everything fun.”

Broyles said she is energized when studying alongside peers — “even if everyone is doing their own thing.” She schedules study time with friends in App State’s Summit Trail Solarium or on Sanford Mall.

5) Be kind to yourself.

Broyles advised students not to be discouraged by setbacks. During her junior year, Broyles said she felt overwhelmed and ended up dropping a course. “For my personal well-being and overall success, it was best for me to lighten my schedule and come back to the class in my senior year,” she shared.

All of the students recommend taking time to reset, relax and take “mental health breaks.”

Cherubala said, “Taking care of myself is important — because that is what allows me to do well.”

Keaveney emphasized a good night’s rest. “Get your sleep,” he said. “All-nighters are not helpful. You’ll be worse at what you do.”

6) Use university resources.

App State’s academic advisers, faculty, University Writing Center, Student Learning Center and Career Development Center are some of the campus resources recommended by the interviewed students.

Cherubala said the Writing Center has been very helpful to her. “Whether it is a scientific report or an English literature paper, they have people who can assist with every category,” she said. Consultants at the center can help with the entire writing process, from idea generation to the finished 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 for academic success,” said Alexis Loveland, a senior music performance major.

App State’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center offers counseling and self-help resources to help students address stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns.

7) Keep your eye on the prize.

The students who were interviewed suggested setting long-term goals.

“When you have in mind what your end goal is — what you want to do when you graduate — it helps keep you motivated,” Ross said.

Vaughn acknowledged that some incoming students may not know what they want to do when they graduate. “That’s OK,” he said. “Just set a time frame for when you want to be more sure of your career goals, and use your time to explore options.”

“Care about your work, care about your classes and care about your learning and level of production,” said Isaac Wood, a senior interior design major. “We are here to learn, develop and push ourselves — so caring about these concepts will go a long way in making you a better student, professional and person.”

Goals can change along the way, said Wilkins, who started at App State in 2013. She was not successful initially and twice had to step out. She took some classes at a community college and worked a few different jobs to discover new interests and refine her goals.

After returning to App State, she earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management in spring 2021 and is now pursuing her master’s degree at App State.

Meet the students behind the tips

Emily Broyles

Emily Broyles, a senior communication, journalism major with a minor in Spanish, is the editor-in-chief of The Appalachian student newspaper. Broyles, from Camden, is a 2018 Diversity Scholar and a student ambassador for App State. She said her favorite place on campus is Plemmons Student Union, where she can study and hang out with her peers at the same time.

Malikia Cherubala

Malikia Cherubala is a junior from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. She is majoring in community regional planning with a minor in sustainable technology at App State. She is a member of International Appalachian (INTAPP) — a student-run organization that promotes positive experiences for international students, study abroad and diversification on campus. She said being transparent and honest with faculty has helped her get the extra support she needed to succeed.

Jordan Dennison '21

Jordan Dennison '21, of Asheville, is pursuing her Master of Arts in reading education at App State. In December 2021, she earned her B.S. in elementary education from the university, with a concentration in diversity studies. Dennison received the Stewart Family Scholarship for Elementary Education and the Inez Henderson Long Endowed Scholarship for Education. She said it is important to recognize and celebrate personal achievements: “Be your own biggest cheerleader. You have made it this far, so why not cheer yourself on?”

Aidan Keaveney

Aidan Keaveney is a junior from Durham with a double major in physics-applied physics and mathematics. He is a 2019 Chancellor’s Scholar, a member of App State’s Honors College, a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences and was awarded the Walter C. Connolly Endowed Award for Physics. Keaveney emphasized the importance of doing the “basics.” He said, “I complete every homework assignment, I pay attention and take notes in class and I study for exams.”

Alexis Loveland

App State student Alexis Loveland is a senior from Granite Falls, with a major in music performance with the bassoon as her primary instrument. She was awarded several music scholarships and serves as an instructional assistant and tutor. Loveland advises others not to be afraid to ask for help. “The faculty want to see you succeed, but they don’t always know how to help you if you don’t reach out,” she said.

McKenzie Mack '21

McKenzie Mack '21, of Charlotte, holds a B.S. in elementary education from App State, with a concentration in diversity studies. A December 2021 graduate, she served as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader (SOUL) and was a member of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment. She led an Alternative Service Experience and recommends “everyone at Appalachian try to give back in some way. Volunteering is a rewarding experience.”

Christian Rodriguez

Christian Rodriguez, a junior from Siler City, is a nursing student and a Beaver Scholar in the Beaver College of Health Sciences at App State. Rodriguez plays on the App State men’s club soccer team, and said he works “super hard” on his studies during the week so he can spend time with friends outdoors on the weekends. He also said he “learned the hard way how to let go of pride — your life shouldn’t crumble if you don’t get the grade you wanted.”

Hannah Ross '21

Alumna Hannah Ross '21, of Charlotte, who earned her B.S.B.A in management from App State in December 2021, entered App State with an Appalachian Excellence Scholarship. She received the F.B. “Bodie” Bodenheimer Leadership Endowment Scholarship and the Dr. J. Richardson Endowed Scholarship for Management through the Walker College of Business (WCOB). She was named WCOB’s top student in management and co-founded the App State chapter of Enactus, a global nonprofit organization. Ross interned with Apple in summer 2021 and credited WCOB’s Business Career Services in helping her obtain and prepare for the internship.

Malcolm Vaughn

Malcolm Vaughn, an App State sophomore from Apex, is majoring in music education with a concentration in choral music education. He began building connections with App State faculty while in high school, when he attended the Cannon Music Camp through App State’s Hayes School of Music. Outside of class, Vaughn is involved in App State’s Community Music School — which offers music programs and private lessons for people of all ages in the community. He also volunteers as a College Life Fellow with App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program.

Makayla Wilkins ’21

Makayla Wilkins ’21, from Boone, is pursuing her Master of Science in applied data analytics at App State. She is the executive director of Beans 2 Brew — a student-run nonprofit coffee shop in the Walker College of Business — where she manages a team of 20 students and works with key suppliers. Involvement with the Appalachian Supply Chain Club helped her secure an internship as an undergraduate.

Isaac Wood

Isaac Wood, a senior interior design major, is a transfer student from Smyrna, South Carolina. He won a regional and a national interior design competition while at App State, which he said increased his passion for the program as well as the industry. He is a student ambassador for his department and serves as a teacher’s assistant. Wood spends as much time as he can outdoors and said, “Enjoying nature and finding a new level of connection has reshaped my philosophy and understanding of ‘place.’”

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University Writing Center

The University Writing Center is a free resource available to all Appalachian State University students and faculty as well as members of the Boone community. Our consultants are experienced writers and attentive readers who will work with you one-on-one to assist with any aspect of the writing process.

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Student Learning Center

The Disco Student Learning Center offers academic resources that will complement and enhance classroom experiences by helping students become acquainted with their studies and learn how to learn effectively.

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University Libraries

App State’s University Libraries provide academic resources for all students. Within Belk Library and Information Commons, students find group and quiet study spaces, the Print Zone, the Digital Media Studio, the Inspire Maker Lab, the Idea Factory, digital devices to check out, special collections — such as the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, and the Instructional Materials Center. The Erneston Music Library is home to one of the largest music collections in the region, offering thousands of music scores and recordings in various formats — DVDs, CDs, cassettes, videocassettes and albums.

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Career Development Center

The Career Development Center serves all students and alumni pursuing various future professional endeavors. Our services include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools to achieve life and professional success.

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Counseling and Psychological Services

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center supports the mission of Appalachian State University and the Division of Student Affairs in the academic, vocational, emotional, social and cultural development of students. The goal of the Counseling Center is to assist the University community in maximizing the personal growth and development of its members.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.