Rating: 4 ~ I Like It

Thriving at College is a guidebook for students already in college or entering college. Many students enter college ignorantly, thinking that college is similar to high school. This book touches on common issues and mistakes faced by college students and how to avoid them. The 10 most common mistakes college students make are listed and thrive principles are given on how to avoid making these mistakes. At the end of each chapter, discussion questions are listed.

When I realized that I was going to receive Thriving at College in NetGalley format, I had second thoughts about reviewing this book. All this changed after I read the Preface. I knew this was going to be a good read and it did not disappoint.
Many of the mistakes students make while in college affect their after-college life and plenty of good knowledge can be learned from this book on how to avoid such mistakes. What I like about the book is the practical tips on the dos and don’ts in college. While not all the tips mentioned in the book applies to everyone especially since the book is pretty US-centric, they are important and should be kept in mind. In Appendix 1 of the book, tips on how to choose a college are given. I found them very helpful and will definitely be keeping them in mind the next time I visit an education fair!
This book is especially handy for those who have yet to go to college and for parents who want to help their kids avoid common mistakes college students make. As the author is someone who has gone to college and who is a college professor, I agree with what Alex and Brett Harris said in the Foreword: Alex Chediak “understands this (the college issue) better than most”. I think that he is certainly in a good position to give college advice.
Overall, Thriving at College is crammed with advice and information. As someone who has yet to go to college, I found it extremely helpful and eye-opening. College sounds like an exciting place to be at, but it is littered with pitfalls that has brought many a person away from his religious roots. However, principles and rules given in Thriving at College will always remain as what they are: principles and rules. It is up to the reader to take up the initiative and act on them.