The school 'makes every effort' [=the school does all that it can] 'to help' new students become adjusted to college life.
His novel's surprise ending is not really convincing, but we'll give him 'an A for effort'.
He wanted to contribute in some way to the 'war effort'. [=to the effort to win the war]
(..) Not just with his hair either. This is not a typical Real Madrid game, is it? The early sending-off has really set the tone for the match. And another effort blocked away by Casillas. Down to ten men, it'll be very hard work for Real Madrid. They have to get their passing game (..)2007 Goal II: Living the Dream