Which is a better way to get in shape—to train for a 10k race next month, or to run at least three days a week for the rest of your life?

Training for a 10k is certainly better than doing nothing at all. But the one-time racers stop benefitting when the race is over. Regular runners make it a habit and keep benefitting forever.

Too many high school students treat the college admissions process like a big race. They spend four years training for one event, focusing on whatever methods they hope will help them perform well on race day. Those students make every decision—from what high school to attend, to what activities to pursue, to how to spend their summers, based on what they think colleges will appreciate.

Those students are playing the short game. But you’ll get better results on—and after—race day if you play the long game.

Students who play the long game are still focused on college. But they’re more interested in challenging themselves, diving into subjects that interest them, committing themselves to activities they enjoy, and making an impact than they are in trying to satisfy some imaginary magic formula for college admissions.

Long-gamers know they don’t need to be perfect. They know that qualities like their work ethic, curiosity and character are a lot more important to their long-game results than is one grade, test score, or admissions decision from a college.

Like a weekend 10k, the college admissions process has a finish line. There’s nothing wrong with working hard to perform well on race day. But you have a lot of life left to live after this race is over. If you want to be successful during and after college, play the long game.