Everyone has a formula, a secret recipe, guide or plan if you will, for surviving tough situations--like life. But there are some folks that believe there is a formula for surviving college; and surviving it successfully. Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Hoschuh, authors of College Rules! How to study, survive and succeed in college
are big believers in a formula; and have pulled together 500 pages of tips and advice to help freshman prepare for college success.The purpose of the book is to provide some general guidelines for students that help them become, as the authors state, "both efficient and effective in achieving academic success in college" (3). As I'm not a big believer in a one-size fits all approach to "academic success," I was rather skeptical at first. But, the authors have some valid advice for students.
After reading the book, I've put together a top 10 list of what I considered the author's best and most pertinent advice.
- Pursue a major that interests and suits you.
- Find a balance between work, class and play.
- Find out what stresses you and learn to manage it.
- Be proactive, not reactive. Seek help when you need it.
- Be flexible.
- Plan, set goals and modify when you need to.
- Read your materials.
- Take notes, study and avoid the 24-hour cram session.
- Communicate with and listen to your professors.
- Be true to yourself and honest about your work.
Now, in reality, is this all you need to survive and succeed academically? Absolutely not! But, it's a great place to start.
Will the approaches offered up by the authors work for modern students? Frankly, some of the advice offered up is a bit counter to the reality of the modern university. I know few students that actually take handwritten notes anymore. With the availability of podcast lectures, electronic course notes, and use of laptops/notebooks or other wireless devices, tips on handwritten note-taking may have little meaning to modern students.
The authors also stress that students take their time, days even, to study and prepare for upcoming classes and exams. With so many students taking courses in compressed time-periods (one-week, two-week, six-week, eight-week or ten-week mini-sessions versus the traditional 16 week session), "taking time" isn't really an option. Also, they seem to be really focused on removing--not reducing--stress from a student's life. Frankly, stress can be a terrific motivator and doesn't necessarily have to impact a student's life negatively. Its simply a matter of perspective.
Maybe the 3rd edition will be easier to relate to...
At any rate, if you'd like to give this formula a shot and see if it works for you, check out the 2nd edition of College Rules!
available direct from Ten Speed Press or your local retailer or online bookseller.Until next time!
Lynn Byrne
Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:
- College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
- Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
- The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.
