A Beginner''s Guide to College Success

A Beginner’s Guide to College Success is designed to address a wide range of topics that are of interest to aspiring or new college students, including financial decisions, choosing an area of study, adapting to new responsibilities, managing time wisely, and more.

The guide begins by introducing the reader to the way college is structured and walking the reader through the preparations required to embark upon a college career. Preliminary chapters help the reader explore the value of a college education, begin to consider a major, and better understand the role credits, grades, and degrees play in the higher education system. Later chapters address the challenges different types of students—military veterans, those with disabilities, and student athletes, to name a few—may face as they transition from high school to college. These chapters also cover best practices for communicating with faculty members, succeeding in large lecture classes, dealing with reading assignments, how to get the most out of online learning, and more. The guide closes with a collection of chapters dedicated to studying, preparing for exams, and taking advantage of campus resources, including the library, to bolster personal learning.

Full of tips and practical advice, A Beginner’s Guide to College Success is a useful resource for any student considering college and wondering how it differs from high school. 

Jonathan Golding, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. He is the creator and author of the Beginner’s Guide to College Success blog, as well as numerous books, journal articles, and book chapters within the field of psychology. He received his doctorate degree in Psychology from the University of Denver.

Philipp Kraemer, Ph.D., is the Chellgren Endowed Chair for Undergraduate Excellence and a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. He received his doctorate degree in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. His current research interests include cognitive processes and the psychology of belief.

David Royse, Ph.D., is a professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. He received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Louisville and his doctorate degree in social work from Ohio State University. Dr. Royse has authored or co-authored eight books and over 75 articles and book chapters addressing various topics in social work, health care, child welfare, and program evaluation.