In college, your success is in part determined by which friends and classmates you choose. No, you won’t lose your own individuality. But surrounding yourself with hardworking, motivated people will make you more likely to do well yourself.

For example, in an environment where academic success is a priority, you’ll be more likely to perform to your highest potential.

How can you find a good group that will push you to achieve?

Friend finder 1: Go to a niche school

It’s easy to find motivating people if you go to a specialty school.

At an art school, for example, you can be sure that most people will share your passion for the visual arts. Schools that are geared toward one discipline can be a great way to grow in that field. Often, there are people with many different styles and opinions who all share an overriding passion for a single subject.

You can mimic the effect of a niche school at a liberal arts college or large university by getting deeply involved with one academic department.

The downside of a niche school or program, however, is you don’t get as much influence from people in other disciplines.

For example, artists can learn a great deal from science types, but you’re less likely to find a strong science-leaning person at a school for the arts.

If you do go to a school focused on one discipline, try to remember that there are other, equally valid fields for study that you may not be exposed to.

Friend finder 2: Get involved in student government

If you want to find motivated student leaders, check out student government. Student government is always overflowing with accomplished students; it’s a great place to look for talented friends.

Even if you aren’t interested in a political or public service career and don’t want to work in student government, it’s a good idea to get to know the leaders in this organization. Developing a network of motivated colleagues can help you after graduation.

Friend finder 3: Look for academic honor societies

If you’re qualified for an academic honor society, do all you can to get in.

Academic honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa recruit only the most talented students. And the best part is that most honor societies retain members for life, so you’ll have a built-in network of talented connections after graduation.

No matter how you find talented people in college, it’s important to maintain friendships and connections after graduation. Not only will the right group of friends help you do well in school, but they’ll also open up opportunities once you graduate. Getting involved with a student organization of some kind is the best way to meet motivating classmates.

So commit to getting involved! You’ll increase your chances of success both during and after college.

Tawan Perry (tawanperry.com) is a motivational speaker who also conducts college prep workshops. E-mail him at info@tawanperry.com.