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Cracking The College Code: A practical guide to making the most of the first year college experience
Cracking the College Code is the ‘must have’ essential guide for all students, parents and guardians embarking on a journey into third level. Written in straightforward language, key topics include:
> Making informed choices
> Preparing for change
> Getting to know how the third level system works
> What students face in the first weeks and months at college
> Where and when to look for help
> The challenges of living at home or away
Catherine O'Connor, MA (Ed) Education Consultant, works as an education specialist in student recruitment at Trinity College Dublin and has over twenty years' experience in education including the design and delivery of diploma, degree and master's programmes at both Trinity College and Dublin City University.
Following a career in financial services, the study of drama led her to a Training and Development career where she worked in the community motivating the long term unemployed to return to study and work, after the last recession. Catherine has also researched and published within the areas of education and technology enhanced learning.
Reviews for Cracking the College Code
"A brilliant book and what every student, parent/guardian needs to read on entry to third level education. Informative, realistic and comprehensive. This book kept me interested every step of the way. Superbly written and something I will refer to time and time again." Nora Irwin: Parent and former Director, National Parents Council Post Primary and Executive Committee Member, COMPASS (Co-operation of Minority Religions & Protestant Parents Association)
"Cracking the College Code has a wealth of information for both aspiring and current third level students and their parents alike. It is very accessible, well researched and comprehensive. It gives a valuable insight into how the college system really works - a wonderful resource. " Dr Veronica O'Dwyer: Lecturer of Optometry, Dublin Institute of Technology "
"I wish this book was around when I was starting out. It opens prospective students' minds to everything you don't think of about third level. A must-read for anyone thinking about going to college." Jenny Stokes: A recent college graduate
> Making informed choices
> Preparing for change
> Getting to know how the third level system works
> What students face in the first weeks and months at college
> Where and when to look for help
> The challenges of living at home or away
Catherine O'Connor, MA (Ed) Education Consultant, works as an education specialist in student recruitment at Trinity College Dublin and has over twenty years' experience in education including the design and delivery of diploma, degree and master's programmes at both Trinity College and Dublin City University.
Following a career in financial services, the study of drama led her to a Training and Development career where she worked in the community motivating the long term unemployed to return to study and work, after the last recession. Catherine has also researched and published within the areas of education and technology enhanced learning.
Reviews for Cracking the College Code
"A brilliant book and what every student, parent/guardian needs to read on entry to third level education. Informative, realistic and comprehensive. This book kept me interested every step of the way. Superbly written and something I will refer to time and time again." Nora Irwin: Parent and former Director, National Parents Council Post Primary and Executive Committee Member, COMPASS (Co-operation of Minority Religions & Protestant Parents Association)
"Cracking the College Code has a wealth of information for both aspiring and current third level students and their parents alike. It is very accessible, well researched and comprehensive. It gives a valuable insight into how the college system really works - a wonderful resource. " Dr Veronica O'Dwyer: Lecturer of Optometry, Dublin Institute of Technology "
"I wish this book was around when I was starting out. It opens prospective students' minds to everything you don't think of about third level. A must-read for anyone thinking about going to college." Jenny Stokes: A recent college graduate
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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April 4, 2017
Written by a college lecturer this book fills a gap in the market. I don’t know of another really practical book that gives a student (and parent) the information they need to know to make the transition from Second to Third Level education in Ireland. This book provides advice on how to choose the right course, what to consider when choosing a college, how to find student accommodation, what to expect when living at home and studying and more. The book gives a description of how colleges are run and how they differ greatly from the school environment. Overall ‘Cracking the College Code’ is a good reference point for any prospective student.Read more…
The book is brief, 116 pages. There are 10 chapters dealing with different aspects of college life. The writing style is informative and concise. It is therefore easy to access the desired information. Key aspects of college life are explained such as what to expect from lectures, tutorials, student services, library services, college societies etc. There is a nice section on how to fit in socially and gives advice on this to the nervous student. There is also a section on different learning experiences such as lab work, presentations, group work, demonstrations and so on. There is a detailed section on the examination process also.
There is a strong emphasis on the difference between second level education and college. I couldn’t help but feel that the book was preaching to me. The book reiterates over and over how students are responsible for their own work and deadlines must be respected. Parents can no longer intervene on your behalf. This information is important for students to understand but I felt it was a little condescending and could have been written in a more empowering way.
Overall this is an informative and practical guide for students. Most students would not need to read this book as they will find their own way through college. But for the more anxious student it could really alleviate the worry and fear they may experience as they embark on a new journey in life. This book sheds light and takes the mystery out of the college experience. Should parents be reading this book? Yes, for one reason only. . . to understand that they need to take a back seat in their son’s or daughter’s college education and allow them the freedom and independence to navigate their life by themselves.
The book is brief, 116 pages. There are 10 chapters dealing with different aspects of college life. The writing style is informative and concise. It is therefore easy to access the desired information. Key aspects of college life are explained such as what to expect from lectures, tutorials, student services, library services, college societies etc. There is a nice section on how to fit in socially and gives advice on this to the nervous student. There is also a section on different learning experiences such as lab work, presentations, group work, demonstrations and so on. There is a detailed section on the examination process also.
There is a strong emphasis on the difference between second level education and college. I couldn’t help but feel that the book was preaching to me. The book reiterates over and over how students are responsible for their own work and deadlines must be respected. Parents can no longer intervene on your behalf. This information is important for students to understand but I felt it was a little condescending and could have been written in a more empowering way.
Overall this is an informative and practical guide for students. Most students would not need to read this book as they will find their own way through college. But for the more anxious student it could really alleviate the worry and fear they may experience as they embark on a new journey in life. This book sheds light and takes the mystery out of the college experience. Should parents be reading this book? Yes, for one reason only. . . to understand that they need to take a back seat in their son’s or daughter’s college education and allow them the freedom and independence to navigate their life by themselves.
Displaying 1 of 1 review