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College Success

(53 reviews)

Copyright Year: 2015

ISBN 13: 9781946135063

Publisher: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing

Language: English

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Reviews

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Reviewed by Benita Yowe, Dean, Health and Human Services, Spartanburg Community College on 9/20/22

"College Success" is comprehensive and covers all the areas and ideas introduced in student success textbooks. The organization of the content in each chapter introduces the topics sequentially, which is conducive to exploring the various topics. read more

Reviewed by Merissa Bunton, Language Arts and Learning Skills Lecturer, Leeward Community College on 3/8/22

The book covers each of the areas I cover in my Learning Skills classes, offering a variety of text about each topic. More materials for public speaking would be useful. Especially how to reduce anxiety and prepare notes and slides. Especially in... read more

Reviewed by Lisa Jolliff, Coordinator of Accessibility Services, Hutchinson Community College on 3/1/22

The book seems to be very comprehensive and covers all of the information that we usually cover in our student success/orientation class. The glossary is clear and easy to follow. read more

Reviewed by Sheriann Stanton, Adjunct Faculty, Berkshire Community College on 6/15/21

This text covers its content areas well. There is no glossary, however. Key words are in bold type print that would potentiality be good candidates for a glossary definition. The table of contents is helpful and complete. I particularly like the... read more

Reviewed by Carole Parks, Adjunct Faculty for CG100: College Success and Survival, Education Adjunct, GED Instructor, Oregon Coast Community College on 1/5/21

I've been using a Cengage "On Course" and I find this OER book to be just as comprehensive if not more. I especially like the end of chapter activities for students as they are deeply reflective. read more

Reviewed by Summer Wimberly, Instructor, Community College of Aurora on 8/13/20

The text does a good job of addressing the breadth of topics generally covered in a college success course. Includes an easily navigable table of contents. read more

Reviewed by Faithe MacElliott, First Year Experience Instructor, Middlesex Community College on 6/18/20

College Success is a comprehensive, user friendly manual on how to navigate through the first year of college. There are 12 chapters ranging from developing study strategies such as note taking and test taking, improving one’s organizational... read more

Reviewed by Elaine Gatewood, Adjunct Faculty, Bunker Hill Community College on 6/16/20

College Success, is comprehensive to the subject matters pertaining to the topic. Chapters 1-3 and 9-124 certainly embody the student experience. This Open Source Textbook has great visuals, and assessment students can rate themselves to see where... read more

Reviewed by Kimberly Griffith, College Access Advisor, Bristol Community College on 6/16/20

This text covers a broad range of topics applicable to first year college students of any age, although geared primarily towards the traditional college aged student. read more

Reviewed by Terry Rafter-Carles, Professor, Learning Support, Valencia College on 6/1/20

I was pleased that this text provided a comprehensive review of the topics that reflect the majority of our college's learning outcomes for our new student experience course. I was happy to see that it included many self-evaluation opportunities... read more

Reviewed by Eleanor Kelly, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Professional Studies, George Fox University on 4/22/20

This textbook presents topics that can help both traditional and nontraditional college students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The textbook aims to help traditional college students adjust to their new college life by... read more

Reviewed by Heather Loehr, First Year 101 Instructor and Advisor, Hanover College on 2/4/20

This comprehensive text covers all major areas of the student experience when transitioning to college. Chapters cover academic skills, social and campus life, physical and emotional health, financial management, and career planning. At 500 pages,... read more

Reviewed by Cammie Sgarrella, Assistant Director of New Student and Family Programs , Radford University on 1/28/20

I found College Success to be a highly comprehensive book! It covers just about every area you can think of in regards to student success, and it does so in great depth on each and every topic. This would be a great text to use in a first year... read more

Reviewed by Abhijit Suresh, Graduate Student, CU Boulder on 5/5/19, updated 7/1/19

College success is a comprehensive guide for college students to thrive in a college environment and graduate with flying colors. The text covers a wide spectrum of topics from preparing for exams to handling the finances. It is very challenging... read more

Reviewed by Marva Solomon, Instructor/Counselor, Open Oregon Educational Resources on 4/17/19

This book is a well written text book for both traditional, non-traditional first time in college students, as well as for students who are returning to college after dropping out. It provides a comprehensive road map on how to navigate college,... read more

Reviewed by Jenny Bossaller, Association Professor, MOBIUS on 11/13/18

There is no index or glossary, but I don't think it needs it. It has a good Table of Contents, which is sufficient for navigating the book. read more

Reviewed by Leslie Ross, Associate Professor Librarian, St. Ambrose University on 10/31/18

This book does a great job covering most of the aspects of college life from academics to satisfying and healthy social lives. One of the areas I would like to see additional content is in the section on critical thinking in the chapter entitled... read more

Reviewed by Nancy Lorta, Associate Director, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on 9/12/18

College Success is a detail oriented text for students new to higher education. The wide array of topics included are those that can assist on how to be a successful first year college student. The length of the book is a concern, but the content... read more

Reviewed by Rhonda Black, Program Director - First Year Experience, West Virginia University on 6/19/18

I find this text to be greatly comprehensive. It includes all topics of a traditional student success text. I found that the chapters were very in depth on each topic. read more

Reviewed by OLAMIDE COKER, Counselor,Faculty, North Hennepin Community College on 5/21/18

The College Success textbook covers everything a College student should know during their first semester in college. The text covers everything from self-assessment questionnaires to career exploration. read more

Reviewed by Kathryn Gage, Executive Director for Student Affairs, Oklahoma State University on 5/21/18

College Success is ambitious in its scope, covering a wide range of variables that can affect students' ability to succeed in college. Student affairs practitioners will appreciate this holistic approach to addressing the factors that might... read more

Reviewed by Andrea Schafer, Instructor, West Virginia University Potomac State College on 5/21/18

This text offers a practical approach to guiding students through their first year of college. It is well organized, clearly written and relevant. The text includes both academic and nonacademic considerations (finance, career, etc.). Both are... read more

Reviewed by Maria Avalos, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Permian Basin on 5/21/18

Very comprehensive book for a first year students. My graduate program is almost 50% first generation students. I believe some of the content and chapters would be helpful for these students as well, especially those who may have graduated from a... read more

Reviewed by Dawn Kennedy, Ed.S, Health Education, Anoka-Ramsey Community College on 5/21/18

College Success is a comprehensive text, covering a wide variety of relevant topics and activities. A broad range of topics are covered such as interacting with instructors and classes; staying motivated, organized and on track; study skills;... read more

Reviewed by Lauren J. Hummel, Adjunct Faculty, Rhode Island College and The Community College for Rhode Island on 2/1/18

Addresses many topics common in college success textbooks. Occasional use of terms or assumptions about vocabulary that may impact some readers. No obvious glossary. read more

Reviewed by Katherine Brau, Professor, Hibbing Community College on 2/1/18

Having taught first year seminars for a number of years, the numerous topics covered within the text are the traditional topics for student success including study skill, college orientation and personal choice strategies. This textbook includes... read more

Reviewed by Melanie Deffendall, Associate Professor, Delgado Community College on 6/20/17

The text covers all of the typical topics for a college success textbook. The number of chapters can easily be covered in a 16 week semester. I did not see a glossary or index listed with the text. I think a glossary is essential for students... read more

Reviewed by Meagan West, Assistant Director of First -Year Studies, University of Tennessee on 6/20/17

Very comprehensive book for a first year experience course! The text is organized well and the table of contents makes using the online text simple to navigate. read more

Reviewed by Jennifer Kepka, Instructor, Linn-Benton Community College on 6/20/17

The textbook covers the major topics for student success that would be expected in a book that is now several years old. It has substantial chapters on adapting to college and, to its credit, includes small parts that are directed at... read more

Reviewed by James Salisbury, Reference Librarian/Department Chair, Community College of Rhode Island on 4/11/17

I found the text to be very thorough and comprehensive. It covers important areas that are crucial to the success of 1st year college students, especially those who may not be completely ready for the post-secondary experience. Its length may be... read more

Reviewed by Liz Hardy, Instructor, Rogue Community College on 4/11/17

The content of this book is very comprehensive. The author provides very useful information to consider about college success. It really helps you to understand more about life in college. The information about your health, finances, careers,... read more

Reviewed by Keely Donovan, Instructor/ Academic Advisor, University of Arizona on 2/8/17

The book is very comprehensive and would be a great resource for traditional college students attending a university for the first time. There is no index or a glossary which would be an advantageous addition to the text. The comprehensiveness of... read more

Reviewed by Michelle Mulhair, Academic Advisor, Concordia University, Portland on 12/5/16

This book was extremely comprehensive in covering the broad topic of "Student Success". COLLEGE SUCCESS covered the typical topics of time management and study skills, but it also gave in depth advice on topics such as finances, personal wellness,... read more

Reviewed by Jenn Edgar, Human Development Faculty, Mt. Hood Community College on 12/5/16

The text is comprehensive in that it covers a wide variety of topics, and covers them in a straightforward, appropriate, and unassuming manner. However, there is no index or glossary, which makes it more challenging to look over the topics at a... read more

Reviewed by Mary Harris, Professor and Program Director, Colorado State University on 12/5/16

The text covers the important areas of college success which are well organized in chapters. The only piece missing is a section on seeking out resources for success and support on campus. read more

Reviewed by Doreene Hyatt, Professor, Colorado State University on 12/5/16

More comprehensive than many other college success books. I could not find an index or glossary and the table of contents had hyperlinks to each chapter. read more

Reviewed by Tobin Richardson, Teaching Assistant Professor, West Virginia University on 12/5/16

This book is comprehensive in most ways. It covers a wide-range of topics which I think would be useful to most beginning college students including staying organized, preparing for exams, interacting with instructors, etc. I felt the style of... read more

Reviewed by M. Barrey, Faculty, Rogue Community College on 8/21/16

The book contains a variety of traditionally taught college success topics at most higher education institutions such as study skills, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking and time/self management. The other topics such as diversity,... read more

Reviewed by Betsy Picciano, College & Career Studies Instructor, Central Lakes College on 8/21/16

The textbook covers a wide variety of topics for college success. There are 12 chapters in all. The textbook is very lengthy, yet there is no index or glossary included. The self assessments at the beginning of each chapter are a good component,... read more

Reviewed by John Herbert, Instructor, Advisor - Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Anoka-Ramsey Community College on 8/21/16

The textbook is expansive in the breadth of topics studied, yet detailed in key areas relating to the first year college experience. That being said, the voluminous nature of certain chapters, particularly the first few, may be too much... read more

Reviewed by Karen (Kari ) Moore, Adjunct Professor, Umpqua Community College on 8/21/16

I found the College Success text to be comprehensive. It covers all of the typical areas that college success textbooks cover. I found the information in each chapter covered the subject effectively. The organization of the text is clear and... read more

Reviewed by Carolyn Slotten, Faculty Lecturer, MIami University on 8/21/16

The text provided excellent comprehensiveness, ranging from academic success suggestions, personal and interpersonal advice, over-all college success advice, to managing time and money. It was extremely well thought out by beginning each chapter... read more

Reviewed by Kathleen Walker-Henderson, Early Childhood/Student Success Professor, Klamath Community College on 8/21/16

This textbook covers all the areas of college success that we cover at our community college. The information on social world, finances, and your health are very comprehensive. read more

Reviewed by Maurice Hamington, Executive Director, University Studies, Portland State University on 1/7/16

College Success takes a comprehensive approach to a student's preparation for college. It is a book that should be read by anyone about to undertake college for the first time. Although it does not have an explicit glossary, it defines terms and... read more

Reviewed by Alise Lamoreaux, Adult Basic & Secondary Education, Lane Community College on 1/7/16

College Success is an umbrella text covering a wide gamete of topics primarily related to the study skills and personal habits associated with a “college lifestyle”. The book was published in 2010, and may not be reflective of what skills are... read more

Reviewed by Phyllis Nissila, Instructor, Lane Community College, Eugene, Oregon on 1/7/16

Having taught such classes for over twelve years in the community college setting, I noted the inclusion of all of my "essential topics" in this text. I would have liked the addition of a glossary of terms and an index, however. I like the... read more

Reviewed by Kelly Love, College Success Coach and Adjunct Professor, Portland Community College on 1/7/16

The text is very comprehensive in many respects, sometimes to a fault because it might lose students in going into so many different topics. The one subject area that is absent is fixed vs. growth mindset or victim and creator mindset. The text... read more

Reviewed by Abhinav Bhargava, Teaching Assistant, University of Massachusetts on 1/7/16

The books acknowledge a wide range of questions which are important for students. It has intrinsic information about various titles with analysis and examples. There are lots of links in each chapter but aren't structured well. read more

Reviewed by Travis Rybchinski, Instructor, Dakota College at Bottineau on 1/7/16

This textbooks covers many different subject areas that can help first time college students gain success. I did not see a index or glossy but the is a good review at the end of each chapter. I do think there may be too much information that may... read more

Reviewed by Wesley Ferreira, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University on 1/7/16

One of the biggest strengths of the book is its ability to clearly articulate different learning styles and explain how students can employ successful study habits in a variety of learning environments. As a long-time student affairs professional,... read more

Reviewed by Brian Koeneman, Associate Honors Advisor, U of MN on 6/10/15

The book is very thorough and comprehensive, almost to a fault. I question whether college students will read the book in its entirety but thankfully, the book is well organized and readers can easily access relevant sections. The closing... read more

Reviewed by Theresa Harper, Academic Success Counselor, Oregon State University on 7/15/14

Combines topics for an orientation to college as a whole (health, campus diversity, finances, etc.) and academic skills important for college (anxiety, reading, note-taking, test taking, engaging with faculty); because of the wide array of topics... read more

Reviewed by Kim McAloney, Academic Engagement Cultural Center Coordinator, Oregon State University on 7/15/14

College Success covers a wide variety of subjects regarding the success of college students. The order of topics discussed makes sense while also allowing students to easily navigate between subjects they may be needing support or additional... read more

Table of Contents

  • Chapter 1: You and Your College Experience
  • Chapter 2: Staying Motivated, Organized, and On Track
  • Chapter 3: Thinking about Thought
  • Chapter 4: Listening, Taking Notes, and Remembering
  • Chapter 5: Reading to Learn
  • Chapter 6: Preparing for and Taking Tests
  • Chapter 7: Interacting with Instructors and Classes
  • Chapter 8: Writing for Classes
  • Chapter 9: The Social World of College
  • Chapter 10: Taking Control of Your Health
  • Chapter 11: Taking Control of Your Finances
  • Chapter 12: Taking Control of Your Future

Ancillary Material

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About the Book

Our primary goal in writing College Success is to help you succeed in college.

According to Department of Education data, 30 percent of college freshmen leave school in their first year and as many as 50 percent never graduate. College Success is designed to help change that.

College Success has a student-friendly format arranged to help you develop the essential skills and provide the information you need to succeed in college. This is not a textbook full of theory and extensive detail that merely discusses student success; rather, this is a how-to manual for succeeding in college. The book provides realistic, practical guidance ranging from study skills to personal health, from test taking to managing time and money. Furthermore, College Success is accessible—information is presented concisely and as simply as possible.

College Success has the following features to help you achieve your goals: Each chapter asks you to evaluate yourself because success starts with recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, your hopes and desires, and your own personal, individual realities. You'll develop your own goals based on these self-assessments, determining what success in college really means for you as an individual. Throughout the book, you will find numerous interactive activities created to help you improve your skills. To assist you with this, the material is presented in easily digestible “chunks” of information so you can begin applying it immediately in your own life—and get the most out of your college education.

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