You persevere by choosing activities that you love and staying with them. These are the things that will become the avocations of a lifetime. Many students see the college admission process as one of unrelenting drudgery relieved only by the terror of opening the decision envelopes. It should not be that way. As you approach this phase of your life it is more helpful to think of it as a time for taking stock of who you are, where you want to go and how to get there.
College is an incredible time of discovery, adventure and learning.
Be determined that you will succeed, stay focused on your goals and the path will become clear to you. Oh, and don't forget to make your Jeopardy answers in the form of a question.