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]
(..) here, eating and drinking, Duke Rollo and our forces are engaged with the enemy. ROLAND: I know. And I have made every effort to make sure that, if the Duke should fail, Paris will still be well defended. Your Highness should be assured that you are not completely dependent on a Northman. (..)2016 TvShow: Vikings Title: The Last Ship Season: 4 Episode 10