How to Succeed in College (While Really Trying): A Professor's Inside Advice

by Jon B. Gould

After years of preparation and anticipation, many students arrive at college without any real knowledge of the ins and outs of college life. They’ve been focused on finding the right school and have been carefully guided through the nuances of the admissions process, but too often they have little knowledge about how college will be different from high school or what will be expected of them during that crucial first year and beyond. Written by an award-winning teacher, How to Succeed in College (While Really Trying) provides much-needed help to students, offering practical tips and specific study strategies that will equip them to excel in their new environment.

Drawing on years of experience teaching at a variety of campuses, from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, Jon B. Gould gives readers the lay of the land and demystifies the college experience. In the course of the book, students will learn how to identify the best instructors, how to choose classes and settle on a major, how to develop effective strategies for reading and note taking, and how to write good papers and successfully complete exams.

Because much of the college experience takes place outside of the classroom, Gould also advises students on how to effectively manage their cocurricular activities, work obligations, and free time, as well as how to take advantage of the typically untapped resources on every campus. With candid advice and insights from a seasoned insider, this guide will leave students better prepared not only to succeed in college but to enjoy it as well.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2012

Reviews

[John]

Jon Gould offers incoming and already attending students manifold advice ranging from how to get the best grades you can, enjoying your time in college, having an extrinsic life outside of college, befriending the teachers, ways to write a good essay, and to know that you should omit the decisions of others and make your own decision for your life path and goals for yourself.

From this book I have acquired a plethora of practical tips on how to succeed in college and I will be utilizing the tips in my upcoming first semester in college.

My only complaint is the author's few minor misspellings in the book (which I regretting did not jot down where they were).

Prevalent throughout most college attendants psyche's is the urge to achieve their aspirations by conquering the daunting tasks (classwork, homework, essays) that are bestowed to them -- however most students do not achieve their aspirations since they do not know how to. Prophetically, Jon Gould wrote this wonderful book precisely yet elaborately on "How to Succeed in College."

This is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone in or thinking of being in college.

[Monique]

This is a book for new college students that want to succeed in college. Even though the tips are basic they are not clearly presented to students like they are in this work. Certainly a book to give high graduates and to adults returning to colleges.

[Patrick]

Bit of a dry read, but I picked up a few good tips. Whether they really work remains to be seen.

[Choco Panda]

By far one of the best books yet. It was incredibly nice to hear the information directly from the source. This, along with the other books that I have read has left me feeling informed & ready to take on college.

[Michelle]

Disappointing. Most of the tips offered were pretty obvious to me, and there were a lot of filler sections that were boring and didn't offer much to the reader.
Helpfullish parts:
Preparing for an exam--
Step 1. clarify (ask any questions)
Step 2. Study guide (make a study guide)
Step 3. Practice exam

Make a calendar to prepare for an upcoming project.

I did not realize self-plagerism is treated like plagerism at some schools. So you can't submit a paper that you wrote before for a different class. Good to know.

[Tina]

This is a great book for any person entering university, young or old. As an adjunct professor myself, I can say it's quite accurate about professors' expectations and the kinds of things you need to do to be successful in college. It's focused on academics and highlights the differing (and increased) expectations your instructors will have at the post-secondary level. Lots of good strategies and tips, all of which I would recommend to my freshmen as well.

[Matt Price]

Common sense wisdom for university students, Gould becomes an advocate for what profs have known for years, and wish students knew as they begin their studies.

[RGB]

Dry read. Go to class and go to office hours.

[Erika Thomas]

great tips