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]
(..) When soldiers lack discipline, the fault lies with their commander. Surely there are ways to have me killed that would be less detrimental to the war effort. There'll be no more discussion on the matter. It appears I'm not hungry after all. Excuse me, my lords. Where did you find one so pretty (..)2011 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: Baelor Season: 1 Episode 9