A growing body of evidence suggests that the most significant thing about college is not where you go, but what you do once you get there. Historian and educator Ken Bain 1 a road map for students in a new book, What the Best College Students Do. He uses 2 stories to communicate the common 3 of the most successful students: 1. Pursue passion, not A's. Ambition and 4 trump grades every time. At college, it is important to follow your 5 , interest and fascination, but not the highest scores on a test. 2. Make a personal 6 to your studies. Understanding how your courses are related to you and the real world can really enhance your interest, and help you appreciate the essence of your courses. 3. Ask big questions. College education should be 7 around profound questions of the world you want to explore. There is no ready-made or simple answers to those questions, and learning lies in the exploration process 4. Cultivate 8 for others. Developing empathy promises you an ability to see what 9 other people, and successfully interact with them. 5. Find a way to 10 . Trying something to contribute to the world will inspire yourself, and even set you on a career path.