Preparing for College Success

OpenStax’s Preparing for College Success is a comprehensive resource that provides secondary students critical information to prepare for their "to and through” college journey. The book addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities of today’s diverse students. College match, preparing for transition, time management and study skills, building relationships, financial literacy, and career planning are all reflected throughout the material. Preparing for College Success also includes an array of student-centered features including scenarios and advice from current college students that can support robust classroom conversation or individual learning.

Senior Contributing Authors
• Amy Baldwin, University of Central Arkansas

Contributing Authors
• Lisa August, Canisius College
• James Bennett, Herzing University
• Larry Buland, Metropolitan Community College
• Jill Kaar, University of Colorado
• Sabrina Mathues, Brookdale Community College
• Susan Monroe, Northern Virginia Community College
• MJ O’Leary, WellnessMultiplied
• Ann Pearson, San Jacinto College
• Joshua Troesh, El Camino College
• Margit Misangyi Watts, University of Hawai'i at Manoa
• Julia Byrd, Essay Coach

Preface

Chapter 1 Getting into College
• Introduction
• 1.1 What Are the Benefits of College?
• 1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story
• 1.3 Finding the Right "Fit"
• 1.4 Applying for College and Making Your Decision
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary

Chapter 2 Transitioning to College
• Introduction
• 2.1 Why College?
• 2.2 The First Year of College Will Be an Experience
• 2.3 College Culture and Expectations
• 2.4 It’s All in the Mindset
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary
• Checking In: Your College Readiness Checklist

Chapter 3 Managing Your Time and Priorities
• Introduction
• 3.1 Time Management in College
• 3.2 Procrastination: The Enemy Within
• 3.3 How to Manage Time
• 3.4 Prioritization
• 3.5 Enhanced Strategies for Time and Task Management
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary

Chapter 4 Reading and Note-Taking
• Introduction
• 4.1 The Learning Process
• 4.2 The Nature and Types of Reading
• 4.3 Effective Reading Strategies
• 4.4 Helpful Note-Taking Strategies
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary
• Checking In: Your College Readiness Checklist

Chapter 5 Studying, Memory, and Test Taking
• Introduction
• 5.1 Deepening Your Learning
• 5.2 Memory
• 5.3 Studying
• 5.4 Test Taking
• 5.5 Developing Metacognition
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary

Chapter 6 Building Relationships
• Introduction
• 6.1 The Benefits of Healthy Relationships
• 6.2 Building Relationships in College
• 6.3 Working in Groups
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary
• Checking In: Your College Readiness Checklist

Chapter 7 Maintaining Your Mental Health and Managing Stress
• Introduction
• 7.1 Creating Your Best Self
• 7.2 Your Overall Well-Being
• 7.3 The Mind-Body Connection
• 7.4 Mental Health Basics
• 7.5 The Role of Social Media on Mental Health
• 7.6 Physical Health Basics
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary

Chapter 8 Understanding Financial Literacy
• Introduction
• 8.1 Personal Financial Planning
• 8.2 Savings, Expenses, and Budgeting
• 8.3 Credit Cards
• 8.4 Paying for College
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary
• Checking In: Your College Readiness Checklist

Chapter 9 Planning Your Future
• Introduction
• 9.1 Setting Goals and Staying Motivated
• 9.2 Planning Your Degree Path
• 9.3 Making a Plan
• 9.4 Using the Career Planning Cycle
• Family & Friends Matter
• Summary

Index