College Success Concise
This book covers topics for succeeding in college: time management, study strategies, mental health, building relationships, and financial planning. A more concise and shorter version of the original College Success, key topics are presented in a way that feels manageable and not overwhelming. I appreciate this updated version which also includes more emphasis on well-being, mental health, and stress associated with social media. The topics are outlined in a logical flow that is flexible and appropriate for first year experience courses. The summaries and outlines make it easy to follow for both students and instructors.
This book aligns with what I know works from my own experience helping first year students adjust to college. Topics like growth mindset, study techniques, and time management are explained well and grounded in proven strategies. The content stays neutral while still feeling encouraging and relatable for students.
The topics are relevant for today’s students. Challenges that students face like managing stress, avoiding procrastination, and dealing with social media are covered. The content feels current, but it’s written in a way that will stay useful for years to come with future updates as needed.
The writing is clear, conversational, and avoids overwhelming students with jargon. When technical terms are used (like “metacognition”), they’re explained in a way that is easy to understand. The student-centered examples make the content feel relatable and engaging.
The book’s structure stays consistent throughout. Every chapter starts with a quick survey to get students thinking about the topic, followed by smaller, easy-to-digest sections. Chapter reflection questions and activities are included and allow for adaptability for active learning strategies to reinforce concepts in the classroom.
Each chapter works as a standalone unit, so it’s easy to assign just the parts you need. This flexibility allows you to supplement with your own institution’s resources and information.
The book is laid out in a way that makes sense for first year students. It starts with foundational topics, like understanding college expectations, and then moves into deeper areas, like career planning and personal well-being.
I read the digital version which is clean and user-friendly, with no navigation issues or distracting visuals. Charts, tables, and student profiles break up the text and make key points stand out.
I didn’t find any grammar or editing mistakes.
The book is culturally inclusive and highlights diverse perspectives through examples and student profiles. These examples reflect a variety of backgrounds and diverse perspectives.