Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40265 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 283 pages

Customer Reviews

A good guide to the basics, but deeper social pressures are the real challenge
This is a good book to guide you through the perils of academics and basic college issues. However, the sad fact of most American universities is that exams are easy and you will do great on them if you go to class, do the readings, and study. The greater challenge is dealing with social pressures and lifestyle decisions that can prevent you from making it to class and hinder your ability to study. It is when personal lives impede on academic lives that students begin to struggle. To prepare for college, students need to prepare for the overwhelming social madness they are going to be encountering on campus. I thus recommend you buy a book that deals with real college life like: COLLEGE LIFE EXTREME: Lies, Sex, Drugs and Violenceor Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities or Goat: A Memoir.

Good graduation gift for college-bound kids
The book covers a lot of territory from roommates to study habits to gaining weight (aka "the freshman 15"). On the whole, the advice was spot on and could only help incoming freshmen. Scared and clueless, they would get some insight on what lies ahead in a wide variety of college settings, academic as well as social. The Top Ten Ways to Make Your Roommate Happy (page 37) is hilarious as well as helpful, and includes: "Remember, it's a dorm room, not a romantic hideaway" and "Flush!"

There are pros and cons though to quoting former students' experiences. While they relate their experiences on a variety of subjects, the for/against quotes might send mixed messages. Some say rooming with their best friend was a fantastic experience, while others say it was a huge mistake. On the postive side, knowing others opinions might at least make these incoming freshmen think twice on these issues before making their own decisions.

There is much to be learned from reading this book and it truly has the best intentions for its readers. The humorous slant and less-than-wordy style will appeal to its intended audience. It would make a great gift for graduation or even sooner. 50 Ways to Leave Your Mother

An absolute must-read for anyone preparing for their first (or second, or third, or fourth!) year of college
Been There Should've Done That: 995 Tips for Making the Most of College is a collection of wisdom and insight garnered from the real-life experiences of college graduates across America. The tips offer invaluable information that most guidance counselors don't cover on everything from boosting one's GPA, to the pros and cons of joining a fraternity/sorority, dealing with roommates, staying safe, managing one's time, and much more. "If you can't get into a class, talk directly to the instructor. Say something to set yourself apart from the other 20 people who are trying to add it - mention a colleague who 'suggested the class,' talk about your 'special interest' in his area... whatever it takes." An absolute must-read for anyone preparing for their first (or second, or third, or fourth!) year of college.