HOW TO COLLEGE

A practical and thorough primer for high school students preparing to attend college.

The authors, both of whom have taught at American University, help seniors master important life skills and adjust successfully to the first year of college. Topics covered include the expected—academics, health and wellness, time management, finances, internships—as well as ones that teens might not anticipate, such as imposter syndrome, fostering a successful mindset for being a college learner, and appropriate communication with professors. The volume is readable, well-organized, and explicitly claims to address universal needs and concerns. However, much of the advice assumes a middle-class, mainstream background, and first-generation college students, those living at home rather than in a dorm, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, nontraditional students, and students of color may feel overlooked or taken aback by some of the advice, such as to avoid talking about identity and diversity when you initially contact your new roommate. The all-too-brief section on sexual assault unfortunately addresses potential victims, missing an opportunity to educate potential perpetrators. Drug and alcohol abuse are, surprisingly, overlooked. College faculty and staff will appreciate the advice to parents about allowing young people to grow in responsibility. While not as universally applicable as the authors may have intended, this nevertheless contains information of value, particularly in addressing the differences between high school– and college-level academics.

A solid guide, as far as it goes.