Hi everyone! I'm trying to prepare myself for college, and I want to do some reading in advance. Are there any important or useful books that I should read before starting college? Any recommendations are appreciated!
Absolutely, there are a variety of books that can give you a head start and acquaintance with college life, academia, and personal development. Here are a few that I recommend:
1. "How to Win at College" by Cal Newport: It's a practical guide outlining strategies which the author claims to be unconventional but successful for college life.
2. "The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College" by Harlan Cohen: This book offers advice on an array of issues you may encounter while living on your own for the first time in college.
3. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck: This book explores the concept of 'mindset" and how our beliefs about ability and success can impact our behavior. It develops a crucial idea of growth mindset, which can be beneficial in a transitional phase like going to college.
4. "A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)" by Dr. Barbara Oakley: This book is especially valuable for anyone worried about their math or science courses in college. Dr. Oakley provides insight into the learning techniques and strategies that are effective for these subjects.
5. "On Writing" by Stephen King: To sharpen your writing skills, this book can be useful. King offers advice and insights derived from his experiences, focusing on how to communicate effectively in writing.
6. "The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide to Turning Your Ph.D. Into a Job" by Karen Kelsky: For those interested in academia and potentially pursuing advanced degrees, Kelsky (a former tenured professor) offers acumen about the process and how to navigate it effectively.
These are a few suggestions, and what's most beneficial to you really depends on what you're looking to gain out of the reading. Happy reading and best wishes for your college journey!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.