Are you unsure if college is for you? Do you wonder if you are prepared? Do you know when and how you should start saving for college? Are you confused about which college to attend? How do you choose a major which best fits your interests? In 'The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons, ’ author Valarie R. Austin answers these questions. She also shares her knowledge from attending, graduating, and acquiring four college degrees from four different schools. She gives tough practical advice to guide high school, college-bound and current college students about the discipline, skills, and knowledge necessary to successfully graduate on time. The book is a comprehensive study aid and college guide that students will read before college, read while in college, and pass along to friends and family who may attend college later.
After her service in the U.S. Army, Valarie retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a college student, she has earned an associate’s degree, two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree. Valarie, therefore, has unique insights into staying and graduating from college. Through charts, statistics, and easy to follow discussions, Valarie offers a detailed view of the many obstacles facing college students as well as specific action plans to overcome them.
In this book, you will learn how to:
> Determine if a four-year degree is the best path for you and explore alternatives
> Research and select the best college for you
> Start making funding decisions about college costs, saving and student loan debt
> Investigate and choose a major
> Get the most benefit out of your classes, regarding note-taking, studying, and reading
> Use college resources for academic and other assistance
> Maneuver college life outside of the classroom
> Navigate graduation requirements
If you want to graduate from college on time and use your degree in a satisfying career, this book is your roadmap.
Spis treści
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREFACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Is College for You?
Section A: Cost
Section B: High School Academic Performance
Section C: Specialized Talent, Knowledge or Skills
Section D: Working
Section E: Lack of Time
CHAPTER 2: Is College Graduation Your Goal?
Section A: College is required for Professional Careers
Section B: College Preparation
Section C: Math
Section D: Final Thoughts
CHAPTER 3: College Selection
Section A: College Research
Section B: Local Colleges
Section C: Community College
Section D: Private, For-Profits Institutions
Section E: College Visits
CHAPTER 4: Finances
Section A: College Tuition
Section B: Scholarships, College Funds, and Other Sources
Section C: Grants and Loans
Section D: College Accounts and Billing
Section E: Personal Finance
Section F: Credit Cards and Debt
CHAPTER 5: Finally On Campus
Section A: Student Orientation
Section B: Selecting a Major Field of Study
Section C: Academic Advisors
Section D: Honors programs, Internships, and Study Abroad
CHAPTER 6: Class Registration
Section A: Course Descriptions
Section B: Waitlists
Section C: Add/Drop/Withdrawal
CHAPTER 7: The Classroom
Section A: Instructors and Teaching Assistants
Section B: The Syllabus
Section C: Class Attendance
Section D: Taking Notes
Section E: Reading
Section F: Exams
CHAPTER 8: Papers and Projects
Section A: Honor Codes and Plagiarism
Section B: Writing
Section C: Group Projects
CHAPTER 9: Academic Resources
Section A: Office Hours
Section B: Academic Departments and Other College Resources
Section C: Online Resources
Section D: Paid Tutors
CHAPTER 10: Failing Courses
Section A: Failing Grade(s)
Section B: Changing Majors
Section C: Telling Your Parents
CHAPTER 11: Outside the Classroom
Section A: Campus Safety
Section B: Personal Safety
Section C: Responsible Sex and Birth Control
Section D: Self-Rspect
Section E: Online Interactions
Section F Rape and Sexual Assault
CHAPTER 12: College Life
Section A: College Connection
Section B: Roommates
Section C: Tolerance
Section D: Physical Fitness
Section E: Diet
Section F: Mental Health
CHAPTER 13: Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking
Section A: Drugs
Section B: Alcohol
Section C: Smoking
CHAPTER 14: Graduation
Section A: Exit Counseling
Section B: Graduation Costs
Section C: Graduation Day
Section D: After Graduation
Section E: Conclusion
Acronyms
List of Figures
Index
Bibliography
Notes
O autorze
In The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons, author Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Valarie Austin shares her knowledge about college from attending, graduating, and acquiring four college degrees from four different schools. LTC Austin earned her second Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. She also holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Network and Wireless Technologies from Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland. In her distinguished career, LTC Austin also taught leadership and military science as an instructor in the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. From personal experience, she has unique insights into staying and graduating from college.
After her career of service in the Armed Forces including a combat tour during the Gulf War, LTC Austin retired with numerous military awards and decorations. She currently resides in Maryland.