Blog

The Winning Playbook: First 30 Days of the Semester

Save money on college just by opening your email

The Winning Playbook: First 30 Days of the Semester

The whistle blows. The crowd’s buzzing. The clock starts ticking.
Whether you’re a high school student, a college student, a parent, or an educator, the first 30 days are your first quarter — and they set the tone for the rest of the game.

In football, the first quarter isn’t about risky trick plays — it’s about establishing rhythm, building momentum, and setting yourself up for the win. The same goes for school. It’s not just what you do, but who you surround yourself with, and how you make your plays.

That’s why we’ve built this Winning Playbook — complete with offense, defense, special teams, and inspired “find your teammates” strategies — so you can start strong and finish stronger.

For High School Students: Building Your Foundation

🎯 Offense – Make Your Moves Early

  • Meet Your Teachers: Introduce yourself and show you’re engaged — it matters when recommendation letters are needed.

  • Join a Club or Team: Don’t wait until spring — start now and build friendships.

  • Start a “Brag Sheet”: Track awards, volunteer hours, and leadership roles for future college applications.

  • Get Involved in Leadership Opportunities: Student council, club officer roles, or starting a project of your own.

🛡 Defense – Protect Your Time, Energy, and Reputation

  • Set a Study Routine: Homework before scrolling. Even 30 focused minutes a day can change grades.

  • Stay Organized: Use a planner or phone reminders for deadlines.

  • Choose Friends Wisely: Protect your reputation — who you’re with matters more than you think.

  • Start Study Groups: Building study groups helps your chance of thriving in class.

⭐ Special Teams – Bonus Opportunities

  • Volunteer in the Community: Looks great on résumés and scholarship applications.

  • Seek Out Shadowing Opportunities: Ask family friends about visiting their workplace for a day.

  • Sign Up for Scholarship Platforms Early: Imagine Scholarships is a good start — many awards are open to all grades.

🏈 Find Your Teammates – Wisdom in Action

“You can’t make it to the top alone.” Your high school teammates aren’t just your lunch buddies — they’re the ones who:

  • Help you study for the big test.

  • Encourage you to try for that leadership position.

  • Remind you to dream bigger than you think you can.

For College Students: Owning Your Campus Game

🎯 Offense – Make Your Moves Early

🛡 Defense – Protect Your Time, Money, and Energy

  • Set a Weekly Budget: Prevent “broke by mid-semester” syndrome.

  • Know Your Campus Resources: Counseling, advising, and emergency contacts.

  • Check Your Financial Aid Portal Regularly: Catch mistakes early.

⭐ Special Teams – Bonus Opportunities

  • Attend Campus Events: Great for free food and meeting people.

  • Volunteer or Join Leadership Programs: Builds your résumé and network.

  • Follow Your School on Social Media: First to know about scholarships, contests, and events.

🏈 Find Your Teammates – Wisdom in Action

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Your teammates in college are:

  • Study partners who keep you accountable.

  • Friends who support your goals (and tell you when you’re off track).

  • Mentors — older students, professors, or staff — who help you level up.

For Parents: Supporting Without Sideline Coaching

🎯 Offense – Encourage the Right Plays

  • Suggest Relationship-Building: Professors, advisors, and coaches can be incredible advocates.

  • Promote Involvement: Activities outside class boost student success.

  • Encourage Early Career Thinking: Talk internships, networking, and skill-building now.

🛡 Defense – Protect Their Well-Being

  • Understand FERPA: Know your access limits.

  • Discuss Campus Safety & Wellness: Ensure they know where to get help.

  • Respect Independence: Let them problem-solve with your guidance in the background.

⭐ Special Teams – Extra Wins

  • Share Scholarships: Imagine Scholarships and local awards.

  • Offer Financial Guidance: Be a resource, not a referee.

  • Send Encouragement: Small notes or care packages go far.

🏈 Find Your Teammates – Wisdom in Action

Help your student:

  • Seek positive, motivated peers.

  • Connect with caring faculty/staff.

  • Build a small team of “advocates” who will open doors for them.

For Educators & Group Admins: Coaching a Championship Team

🎯 Offense – Proactive Student Engagement

  • Host a Resource Fair: Introduce all support services.

  • Facilitate Connection: Peer mentoring, study groups, or community-building events.

  • Promote Leadership Opportunities Early: Encourage participation before they feel “ready.”

🛡 Defense – Identify Risks Early

  • Watch for Warning Signs: Absenteeism, isolation, grade drops.

  • Offer Help Quickly: Don’t just point — walk them to resources.

  • Create an Open Culture: Encourage questions and help-seeking.

⭐ Special Teams – Bonus Engagement

  • Highlight Scholarships & Internships Year-Round

  • Bring in Guest Speakers: Alumni and local professionals can inspire action.

  • Encourage Volunteerism: Builds skill and connection.

🏈 Find Your Teammates – Wisdom in Action

  • Identify natural student leaders and empower them.

  • Partner across departments to form a united support front.

  • Be the person who sees potential before they do — and say it out loud.

Final Whistle

The first 30 days of the semester are like the first quarter of a football game — you can’t win the championship here, but you can absolutely set yourself up for victory.

Whether you’re a high school student building your foundation, a college student owning your campus game, a parent cheering from the stands, or an educator coaching from the sidelines — use this playbook to start strong.

Zig Ziglar said it best: “You can’t climb the ladder of success alone — you need the team that will cheer you, coach you, and run alongside you.”

Sign up for the greatest scholarship newsletter in the known universe

Explore more