How to Succeed in College and Beyond - 9781118974858

"This should become required reading for current and prospective college students (and their parents) who want the inside scoop from a legendary professor on why college remains a wise investment, and a doorway to a fuller life. It offers practical, step-by-step advice on issues from finding a mentor, to student debt and rising tuition costs. Schwarz bolsters his wise commentary with testimonials from current and former students, as well as other professors and administrators." Daniel Morris, Purdue University

"A feast of common sense at a time when common sense is not so common. The friendly conversational style of Schwarz's book will make it a valued companion as students and their parents navigate what looks from the outside like a mysterious terrain. He brings it down to earth." Stanley Fish, Florida International University

How to Succeed in College and Beyond is an invaluable guide to the undergraduate experience that helps students balance the joy of learning with the necessity of career preparation.

This insightful and thoughtful book, written by an award-winning educator and mentor with almost 50 years of experience in the classroom, gives an impassioned argument for the importance and relevance of an arts and humanities education, but does not neglect the students who choose other fields, including social sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics)

While featuring a wealth of advice for getting the most out of a college education, Schwarz takes prospective and current students, as well as parents, on the journey that begins with high school preparation, application, acceptance, and financial aid, through graduation and beyond. He offers specific advice for each undergraduate year in order to maximize the potential of the college experience. The book helps students navigate key issues, such as time management, course selection, extra-curricular activities, the Greek system, study abroad programs, junior year abroad, independent study and honors work, how to best use summers, strategies for getting excellent recommendations, graduate school preparation, career searches, and job interviews. It also offers suggestions for parents whose children are in college.

In a world that tends to place a greater value on more vocationally focused majors, Schwarz emphasizes the benefits of the arts and humanities and the importance of learning how to write effectively, speak articulately, and think critically -- skills that allow students to succeed no matter what their career choices. Packed with information, this guide is an indispensable resource for prospective and present undergraduates and their parents, teachers, and advisors.