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]
(..) ofcruel poverty and ignorance. But my pity... does not extend so far... as to her putting a man's life at stake... which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt. I say "guilt," gentlemen... because it was guilt... that motivated her. She's committed no crime. (..)1962 To Kill a Mockingbird