Striving for Excellence in College: Tips for Active Learning (2nd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Much More Than A "Survival" Guide
Review: After reading Browne & Keeley's ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS, I was intrigued. When I confronted STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN COLLEGE, I bought and read it, anticipating the same intellectual motivation I gained from ARQ. Without a doubt, STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE did anything but disappoint me.

In a society where education is undervalued and few students wish to make anything exceptional of their minds, STRIVING really stands out. I am used to college "survival guides" filled with tips as ridiculous as, "Go to class." or "Try not to cram ten chapters the night before the exam." Such books do nothing for a student who wishes not only to "survive" (almost anyone can do that), but also to excel. STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN COLLEGE, on the other hand, provides tips that engaged learners can benefit from. For example, rather than encouraging students to take notes ONLY on the "important" material (meaning material that ! will be on the test), Browne and Keeley encourage students to take notes that enable them to make new connections with other topics discussed in the class, as well as in other classes. Students who follow these tips will not only leave college with a superb GPA, but also with an elevated understanding of the world around them.

The tips withing STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN COLLEGE have enabled me to leave even the most poorly-taught college classes with something worth having. Additionally, the tips help to make classes more interesting. All in all, STRIVING has proved to be an important addition to my college experience. I have found it interesting, useful, and motivating. This book should be on ALL freshman reading lists.

Rating:
Summary: Striving for Excellence in College
Review: Excellent! This book is a wonderfully detailed guide for achieving college success. Returning to college after several years was intimidating, but this book provided step-by-step instructions for overcoming self-doubt and becoming a better student. Everything from taking notes, to surrounding yourself with folks who are also serious about learning is discussed and explained. I bought this book two years ago, and I'm graduating from undergrad and on my way to gradschool! The tips and suggestions definitely made me a better student. This is a great book for anyone who wants to get the most out of their college experience.