How to Succeed in College: Choosing a Major, Transferring, and Completing Your Degree in Four Years or Less (review)
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As institutions continue to focus on first year students and retention, increased amounts of educational literature have been devoted to the first year experience and the transition into college. The author of this text has very succinctly organized vital information that would be helpful to high school seniors and first year college students. The topics covered provide basic information to the intended reader that lay a foundation for successfully approaching college. The nine chapters and supporting appendices are directed and should appeal to the intended audience.
The opening chapter focuses on understanding the college ideal and encourages an honest analysis of deciding upon an institution. Practical advice is offered concerning college selection and considerations of which students should be mindful. As in subsequent chapters, a "Steps to Success" vignette highlights information covered. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on academic major selection. Information on factors to consider when selecting a major, such interests, career goals, and familiarity with institutional policies is detailed. Additional attention is given to planning a class schedule and plotting out an academic career. Supporting appendices are referenced. Several processes involved in selecting a major are expanded upon with references to the author's personal experiences.
The next two chapters focus on the process of transferring institutions during a college career. Chapter 4 emphasizes the steps to take when considering transferring to another institution. Making a list of reasons to transfer, comparing one's current institution to alternatives, determining which classes will transfer, and deciding when to transfer are discussed. Chapter 5 moves into the specifics of transferring to an institution. While the chapter appears to be more related to students at a two year institution transferring to a four year institution, salient points are made about the process. Familiarity with the curriculum and general education requirements are stated as a basis for preparing to transfer. The application process and preparing the essay are also covered. [End Page 704]
Focusing on the importance of work experience in college, chapter 6 encourages readers to make critical connections early in their academic careers. Those connections include visiting the career center early in the academic year to analyze the resources available. Other suggestions include completing an internship, finding opportunities to volunteer in the local community, and researching the work world early. All of those areas impress upon readers the need for being proactive in preparation for life after graduation and entering the work force.
Chapter 7 introduces the use of independent study courses and projects as methods of reducing academic course load. Presented as an alternative to the traditional classroom instruction, the flexibility and self-paced option of independent study courses are explored. Seeking out opportunities for participation in research projects and serving as a teaching assistant in the academic major departments are conveyed as additional ways to strengthen resumes and be more competitive in the job search or applications for graduate and professional school. The next chapter focuses on completing a degree in four years. While the information discussed in this chapter may not be applicable or realistic for all majors, salient points are made that would encourage students to make wise use of their time in college. While readers are encouraged to focus on their major requirements, they are also encouraged to have a course plan from the onset of beginning college. That advice presupposes the readers have declared majors that will not change during their academic tenures. Summer sessions courses are also listed as another way to complete a degree in four years.
The final chapter focuses on planning for life after college. The author portrays the task of applying to graduate or professional school while in undergraduate as daunting, especially as the intended reader of this text may not have even selected an undergraduate major. The chapter concludes with information on establishing a resume and preparing to enter the workforce after graduation.
The text concludes...
