THE NO-BULL GUIDE TO ACING COLLEGE LIFE

Indispensable, pocket-sized book to surviving freshman year and beyond.

Rather than joining the cabal of writers penning repetitive, all-encompassing tomes on the college experience, Kadar, a physician and alumnus of UCLA and Yale, focuses his energies on students’ pivotal first year. By offering sage, demonstrative advice that he wished he’d had when he began college, the author makes a valiant effort to help college-bound youth work out the kinks that come with immaturity and inexperience. Kadar suggests students hit the ground running and establish excellence in their courses early–and avoid the temptation to procrastinate–so that they can finish strong with a positive attitude. Without their parents to “run interference,” students are left to their own devices and must make the most of their newfound independence by taking advantage of everything the college experience has to offer. The author’s four-part stratagem includes becoming familiar with professors’ office hours and always asking questions. Navigating one’s first weekly class schedule may prove daunting, but remaining organized and not overloading the calendar will assist in the seamless transition to a successful freshman year. Other sections include practical information on how to avoid the “dreaded ‘freshman 15’” with a sensible, well-balanced diet; the dangers of party drugs like marijuana and cocaine; and the “joint responsibility” of avoiding unwanted pregnancy. However prudent and well-intentioned Kadar’s takes on alcohol, tattoos, body piercings and sex might be, his teenage audience may turn a deaf ear when being schooled on those particular topics. But, above all, Kadar encourages gratefulness, calling home often, making friends, getting involved in extracurricular activities and enjoying the grand pursuit of fun, since “years from now, you’ll probably recall your college days as some of the best of your life.”

An elementary, useful guide for anxious first-year college students.