Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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 expectedacademics, health and wellness, time management, finances, internshipsas 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. (notes, index) (Nonfiction. 16-19) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

This comprehensive guide offers invaluable advice to college-bound students. The authors, both American University professors, describe the reality of college life from their insiders' points of view. They provide advice on all aspects of college life, including getting around on and off campus, staying healthy, finding and using resources, living and learning with peers, cultivating professional and personal relationships, and managing finances, time, and academics. Four types of exercises, which are geared toward high-school seniors and college freshmen, are found throughout the book: Know before You Go, Discuss before You Go, Do before You Arrive, and When You Are There. Sidebars of fast facts and pro tips, lists, and charts provide additional bits of advice, and the end of the book offers a tidy to-do list of main points. The authors address college-bound students directly and emphasize that now they have to be responsible for themselves instead of relying on their parents. Some of the best advice comes from other college students and professors. Anyone planning to attend college will find this practical guide useful.--Sharon Rawlins Copyright 2019 Booklist