Midterms are an excellent checkpoint for students to stop, reflect, and evaluate the first half of the semester to increase their chances of success in the second half.

Not everyone believes in luck, at least in the sense that a four-leaf clover or rabbit's foot will change the outcome of a lottery ticket or the big game. However, it is impossible to say that chance does not affect peoples' success. The circumstances people are born determine much of their life trajectory. It is harder to fault those born in tougher circumstances for underachieving, while successful parents' children are frequently successful. Whether one buys into the superstitions or not, it is hard to deny luck exists, at least in the sense that some events left to chance will inevitably favor some over others.

This is the fourth in a series of articles designed for new students. If you are an incoming freshman or parent of one, you may want to check out my previous articles on registering for your first semester classes, how to spend your first week on campus, and a particularly good companion to this article, how to embrace failure.

I have taught academic success strategies to many people over the years. There is no denying that college can be challenging. The better the college, often the more it costs and the more competitive it becomes. There are as many ways to achieve your college goals as colleges and resources available. Preplanning for college involves researching, creating a plan, and overcoming obstacles.