Getting the Best Out of College, Revised and Updated: Insider Advice for Success from a Professor, a Dean, and a Recent Grad

by Peter Feaver, Sue Wasiolek, Anne Crossman

An insider’s guide that shows ambitious students how to optimize their college career, completely revised and updated for today’s academic landscape.

I WISH I’D KNOWN THAT IN COLLEGE
Your time as an undergrad has the potential to be incredibly fun, rewarding, and life changing in ways you may not yet even imagine–that is, if you play your cards right and take full advantage of what your university has to offer. Sadly, very few students ever learn the secret handshake of how to make the most of their college years.  Until now.

For undergrads (and parents) hoping their tuition will pay off, GETTING THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE is a must-read.  Distilling more than fifty years of experience from some of the leading minds at top tier institutions, GETTING THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE reveals insider advice that makes the hefty price tag worth how to impress professors, live with a roommate, pick the best courses (and do well in them), design a meaningful transcript, earn remarkable internships, prepare for a successful career after graduation, and much more.
 
This new edition also includes feedback from students who put GETTING THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE to the test, as well as new chapters on what to do when college “just isn’t working” and unique opportunities with international students and study abroad.  With a new forward by Duke University’s Coach K, GETTING THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE gives invaluable advice that enables students (and their parents!) to make the most of their college years.

Genres: Nonfiction, College, Education

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2008

Reviews

[Dominic LiVecche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips, tricks, and tales from students and professors about navigating the sea of choices and decisions in college. Privileged to be given this by Professor Feaver himself. The care and enthusiasm of imparting invaluable wisdom has made itself apparent and in these pages, I would highly recommend.

[Chika Adiele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing with the advice it gave!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical tips, gives you a great perspective.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am currently transferring to a large university after having spent the last two years at county college and I can definitely attest that this book is a good thermometer when it comes to a college atmosphere and what to expect, but it definitely cannot predict the weather (for lack of a better analogy). For me, personally, I am a first-generation college student and the generalities made in this book were really nothing that I couldn't have figured out on my own if I were going in as a freshman with no experience at all: "Forge a meaningful relationship with your professors so they give you a great LOR" "Don't screw around and party all the time" "Take your studies seriously, plan ahead, and follow through." I mean, I get that some students might be searching for the "reassurance factor" that this book can most definitely provide them with, but it isn't germane to succeeding in or "getting the best" out of college.

As well, the authors were plugging their other books wherever they could (without seeming overbearing), which got old QUICK. In one instance, they brought up an entirely new topic specifically to say that if you want to learn about it in-depth to go buy another book written by one of this book's authors, then glossed over the subject and moved on. Seriously? That is unacceptable and, frankly, a sign that this book meant nothing more than a paycheck to those who wrote it.

Overall, if you are someone who is beyond nervous about college this book might help calm your nerves. But for those looking for a guide to navigating the massive amount of college resources found at most campuses or something similar in that it takes a broad topic and explains it's components in great detail, this book is not what you are looking for.

[Kevin Primus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The genius of Getting the Best Out of College is in its authenticity and comprehensiveness in elucidating what ought to be highlighted in the college experience.

I have been recommending this book since the first edition, but the latest edition is even more readable and engaging. I have known all three authors for many years and worked as a manager under Coach Krzyzewski, who wrote the Forward, for my entire undergrad career at Duke.

Having spent seven years in college campus ministry, six in high school education, and now working in college placement, I can confidently say you will have a hard time finding more sage, timely advice for prospective college students anywhere.

[Isabelle | Nine Tale Vixen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually took notes on this book; it seemed fitting, considering the subject material (and the fact that it's a skill I want to improve), but I probably won't be referring back to them since the vast majority of the information presented is common sense and/or common knowledge, or at least can be figured out easily. The advice seems good-intentioned, though, and it's helpfully presented in a collection that covers various aspects of the undergraduate experience.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This was a helpful book in your college planning. My only major complaint other than some of the sense of humour was that I felt the authors were a little bit to conservative in regards to religion and sexual views. However they for the most part give sound advice, but I definitely could feel a few generational gaps in some of their views.”

[Noel]

go Duke!!!! written by my former Dean woop woop woop.

[Polly Callahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

skimmed it, lots of advice that repeats others (especially Cal Newport). Does address a wide variety of issues for all years (study abroad - don't unless you have $$$$, picking a major,

[Minh EVHS Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It gave me advises for college. What to expect and what should i do if i have a problem. Overall, this is a must read book for high school students.

[Ernest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to read before starting the freshman year of college. Details the social challenges and the unwritten rules of the college experience that must be understood to thrive.

[Paul Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for those entering college (or their parents). More to say at impactcollaboration.com.