The Pocket Guide to College Success
Third Edition ©2020 Jamie Shushan Formats: E-book, Print
As low as $29.99
As low as $29.99
The one and only Pocket Guide for College Success
The Pocket Guide to College Success provides straightforward and easily consumable coverage on all the topics typically found in a full-size college success text in a handy, affordable, highly-customizable format. Chapters on academic skills like time management, academic planning, and note-taking get students ready for success in class, while life skills like goal-setting, money management, and interpersonal communication help them throughout their entire collegiate experience and beyond. Perfect for use as a self-directed student reference outside of a first-year course (or where there is no such course), Pocket is also a full-course solution, available with a robust instructor’s manual and suite of digital resources to empower your first-year program.
Authors
-
Jamie Shushan
Jamie H. Shushan is Associate Director of the Crimson Summer Academy (CSA) at Harvard University where she works to increase access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helps them succeed once they arrive on campus. In her work at CSA and beyond, she teaches numerous classes focused on college success, engages students in career exploration fieldwork, and serves as an advisor and advocate for students at colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Jamie earned her Master's degree in Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2006, where she served as an academic and residential advisor for first-year students and worked at the Office of Career Services, participating in counseling, student outreach, and program development. Before joining the Crimson Summer Academy, she worked with the Associate Vice President for Higher Education in the Office of the President, assisting with a number of presidential initiatives and priorities including the creation of the CSA.
Table of Contents
Getting Started Guides
Your First Week in College
Your First Month in College
Your First Term in College
1. Beginning Your College Journey
Why Go to College?
More Opportunity
Academic, Social, and Personal Growth
Navigating a New College Culture
Meeting Expectations
Visual Walkthrough: Academic Expectations
Finding Your Place in College
2. Finding Support on Campus
Begin Creating a College Network
Mentors Are Invaluable Resources
Make Connections with Peers
Campus Staff Want to Connect
Visual Walkthrough: Find Campus Resources Online
Instructors Are Part of Your Network, Too
Make the Most of Office Hours
Share Your Academic Struggles
Ask Questions and Get Help Often
Anxiety Is Understandable
Seeking Assistance Is Key
3. Motivation and Goal Setting
Motivation Matters
Types of Motivation
What Motivates You Academically?
Mindset, Resilience, and Grit Matter, Too
Understanding Your Mindset
Resilience, Grit, and Achievement
Set SMART Goals
How to Create SMART Goals
Make Your Goals SMART-ER
Visual Walkthrough: Creating SMART Goals
4. Using Time Wisely
Time Is of the Essence
Use a Planner
Choose Your Planner Wisely
Battling Procrastination
Why Do You Procrastinate, and What Can You Do?
Use a To-Do List
Visual Walkthrough: Incorporate To-Do Lists into Your Planner
Finding a Balance
Always Start with Academics
Your Schedule Will Lead the Way
All Work and No Play Isn’t a Good Solution
Be Flexible
Part II: Study Skills
5. Learning Preferences and Studying
What Is VARK?
Understanding the VARK
I Know My VARK Score: Now What?
Visual Walkthrough: Use Your VARK Learning Preference during Study Sessions
What Is Myers-Briggs?
Personality Type Can Influence College Choices
Study with Your Learning Preferences in Mind
Create a Study Plan
Make Connections with Study Notes
Study with Others
Take Practice Tests
6. Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking in College
Five Steps for Critical Thinking
Try Not to Inhibit Critical Thinking
Where to Use Your Critical Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking While Problem Solving
Critical Thinking When Making Decisions
Visual Walkthrough: Be a Thoughtful Decision Maker
Critical Thinking and Creativity
7. Note Taking
Take Thoughtful Notes
Set the Scene
View Lectures as Conversations
Note-Taking Styles
Instructor Notes
Your Personal Style of Note Taking
Visual Walkthrough: Using the Table Format, Using the Outline and Cornell Formats, Adding Visuals
Review Your Notes Early and Often
8. Reading Effectively
Set Yourself Up for Success
Location Matters
Break Down Readings
Remember Time Management
Read Effectively
Engage with Your Reading
Take Notes
Visual Walkthrough: Take Critical Thinking Notes while You Read
Engage in Conversations
Get Support from Classmates
Meet with Instructors
9. Test Taking
Before the Test
The Night before
The Morning of the Test
Right before the Test
During and after the Test
Look Over the Exam
Visual Walkthrough: Taking the test
Keep Track of Time
Focus on You (Not on Your Classmates!)
Don’t Let Your Eyes Wander— Ever
Getting the Test Back
Managing Test Anxiety
Practice, Practice, Practice
Reduce Your Stress
If You Blank
When to Get Help
10. Writing and Information Literacy
General Writing Advice
Understand the Assignment
Write Rough Drafts and Obtain Feedback
Apply Critical Thinking
Step 1: Ask Questions
Step 2: Evaluate Your Reactions
Step 3: Write with a “Critical Lens”
Step 4: Make Connections
Step 5: Bring Your Experiences into the Assignment
Getting Started: The Writing Process
Before You Start Writing
While You’re Writing
Avoiding Plagiarism
Citing Your Sources
Use an Accepted Citation Style
Researching and Communicating in a Digital Age
Navigating the World of Research Technology
Using Electronic Resources at the Library
Communicating Effectively
Visual Walkthrough: Send Professional E-mails
11. Academic Planning and Choosing Your Degree
Make Your Academic Plan Personal
Explore Your Interests and Goals
Acknowledge Your Skills and Values
Reflect on Your Academic Background and Experiences
Choose a Program of Study That Is Right for You
Balance Your Goals and Interests
Be Aware of Degree Requirements and Timing Constraints
Consider Your Career Goals
Select Your Courses
Combine Your Interests with Requirements
Map Out Your Academic Plan
Visual Walkthrough: Balance Your Course Load
Get Help from an Academic Advisor or Mentor
Be Smart about Class Exploration
12. Managing Your Money
Create and Manage a Budget
Visual Walkthrough: Budgeting
Understand Your Financial Aid Package
Types of Aid
Applying for Aid
Use Credit Cards Wisely
Choosing a Credit Card
Control Your Spending
Know When to Put the Card Away
Get Help
Your Credit History
13. Experiencing Difference
Acknowledge Differences
Keep an Open Mind
Challenge Stereotypes
Understand and Respect Difference
Create Meaningful Connections
Find a Community
Look for Campus Resources
Visual Walkthrough: Learn about Your College’s Diversity Resources
Learn from Differences
Authentic Communication
Mutual Respect
14. Staying Healthy and Reducing Stress
Manage Your Stress and Anxiety
Eat, Sleep, and Exercise
Visual Walkthrough: Making Balanced Food Choices
Build a Community
Stay Connected
Study Strategies to Combat Stress
Stay Organized Using Time Management
Try New Strategies When Studying, Reading, and Writing
Be Safe Socially
Substance Abuse
Protecting Yourself against Sexual Assault
Consider Your Safety Online
15. Starting Your Career Journey
Dig into Your Interests
Narrow Down Your Career Choices
Connect Your Academic Plan to Your Career
Get Experience
Exploring Your Options
Connecting with Others
Visual Walkthrough: Résumé Writing, Cover Letter
Don’t Hesitate to Get Help
Dealing with the Unexpected
It’s Your Life
Notice What Matters to You
Appendix A: Living on Campus
Appendix B: Living off Campus
Product Updates
Increased emphasis on the application of what students are learning helps them take positive steps toward college success while feeling encouraged to reflect and act on their own personal experiences.
InfoAction!, a new activity-based feature in each chapter uses engaging statistics in a two-part activity that encourages students to reflect on and apply what they’re learning. Data is displayed using eye-catching infographics that help make it easy to understand.
Newly-updated chapter openers cross-reference specific digital assets in LaunchPad Solo for College Success, connecting students to relevant video case studies and other online activities right from the start.
Instructor Resources
Instructor Resources
Access Test Bank
You need to sign in as a verified instructor to access the Test Bank.
Test Bank for The Pocket Guide to College Success (Online Only)
Jamie Shushan | Third Edition | ©2020 | ISBN:9781319230135
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Authors
-
Jamie Shushan
Jamie H. Shushan is Associate Director of the Crimson Summer Academy (CSA) at Harvard University where she works to increase access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helps them succeed once they arrive on campus. In her work at CSA and beyond, she teaches numerous classes focused on college success, engages students in career exploration fieldwork, and serves as an advisor and advocate for students at colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Jamie earned her Master's degree in Higher Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2006, where she served as an academic and residential advisor for first-year students and worked at the Office of Career Services, participating in counseling, student outreach, and program development. Before joining the Crimson Summer Academy, she worked with the Associate Vice President for Higher Education in the Office of the President, assisting with a number of presidential initiatives and priorities including the creation of the CSA.
Table of Contents
Getting Started Guides
Your First Week in College
Your First Month in College
Your First Term in College
1. Beginning Your College Journey
Why Go to College?
More Opportunity
Academic, Social, and Personal Growth
Navigating a New College Culture
Meeting Expectations
Visual Walkthrough: Academic Expectations
Finding Your Place in College
2. Finding Support on Campus
Begin Creating a College Network
Mentors Are Invaluable Resources
Make Connections with Peers
Campus Staff Want to Connect
Visual Walkthrough: Find Campus Resources Online
Instructors Are Part of Your Network, Too
Make the Most of Office Hours
Share Your Academic Struggles
Ask Questions and Get Help Often
Anxiety Is Understandable
Seeking Assistance Is Key
3. Motivation and Goal Setting
Motivation Matters
Types of Motivation
What Motivates You Academically?
Mindset, Resilience, and Grit Matter, Too
Understanding Your Mindset
Resilience, Grit, and Achievement
Set SMART Goals
How to Create SMART Goals
Make Your Goals SMART-ER
Visual Walkthrough: Creating SMART Goals
4. Using Time Wisely
Time Is of the Essence
Use a Planner
Choose Your Planner Wisely
Battling Procrastination
Why Do You Procrastinate, and What Can You Do?
Use a To-Do List
Visual Walkthrough: Incorporate To-Do Lists into Your Planner
Finding a Balance
Always Start with Academics
Your Schedule Will Lead the Way
All Work and No Play Isn’t a Good Solution
Be Flexible
Part II: Study Skills
5. Learning Preferences and Studying
What Is VARK?
Understanding the VARK
I Know My VARK Score: Now What?
Visual Walkthrough: Use Your VARK Learning Preference during Study Sessions
What Is Myers-Briggs?
Personality Type Can Influence College Choices
Study with Your Learning Preferences in Mind
Create a Study Plan
Make Connections with Study Notes
Study with Others
Take Practice Tests
6. Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking in College
Five Steps for Critical Thinking
Try Not to Inhibit Critical Thinking
Where to Use Your Critical Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking While Problem Solving
Critical Thinking When Making Decisions
Visual Walkthrough: Be a Thoughtful Decision Maker
Critical Thinking and Creativity
7. Note Taking
Take Thoughtful Notes
Set the Scene
View Lectures as Conversations
Note-Taking Styles
Instructor Notes
Your Personal Style of Note Taking
Visual Walkthrough: Using the Table Format, Using the Outline and Cornell Formats, Adding Visuals
Review Your Notes Early and Often
8. Reading Effectively
Set Yourself Up for Success
Location Matters
Break Down Readings
Remember Time Management
Read Effectively
Engage with Your Reading
Take Notes
Visual Walkthrough: Take Critical Thinking Notes while You Read
Engage in Conversations
Get Support from Classmates
Meet with Instructors
9. Test Taking
Before the Test
The Night before
The Morning of the Test
Right before the Test
During and after the Test
Look Over the Exam
Visual Walkthrough: Taking the test
Keep Track of Time
Focus on You (Not on Your Classmates!)
Don’t Let Your Eyes Wander— Ever
Getting the Test Back
Managing Test Anxiety
Practice, Practice, Practice
Reduce Your Stress
If You Blank
When to Get Help
10. Writing and Information Literacy
General Writing Advice
Understand the Assignment
Write Rough Drafts and Obtain Feedback
Apply Critical Thinking
Step 1: Ask Questions
Step 2: Evaluate Your Reactions
Step 3: Write with a “Critical Lens”
Step 4: Make Connections
Step 5: Bring Your Experiences into the Assignment
Getting Started: The Writing Process
Before You Start Writing
While You’re Writing
Avoiding Plagiarism
Citing Your Sources
Use an Accepted Citation Style
Researching and Communicating in a Digital Age
Navigating the World of Research Technology
Using Electronic Resources at the Library
Communicating Effectively
Visual Walkthrough: Send Professional E-mails
11. Academic Planning and Choosing Your Degree
Make Your Academic Plan Personal
Explore Your Interests and Goals
Acknowledge Your Skills and Values
Reflect on Your Academic Background and Experiences
Choose a Program of Study That Is Right for You
Balance Your Goals and Interests
Be Aware of Degree Requirements and Timing Constraints
Consider Your Career Goals
Select Your Courses
Combine Your Interests with Requirements
Map Out Your Academic Plan
Visual Walkthrough: Balance Your Course Load
Get Help from an Academic Advisor or Mentor
Be Smart about Class Exploration
12. Managing Your Money
Create and Manage a Budget
Visual Walkthrough: Budgeting
Understand Your Financial Aid Package
Types of Aid
Applying for Aid
Use Credit Cards Wisely
Choosing a Credit Card
Control Your Spending
Know When to Put the Card Away
Get Help
Your Credit History
13. Experiencing Difference
Acknowledge Differences
Keep an Open Mind
Challenge Stereotypes
Understand and Respect Difference
Create Meaningful Connections
Find a Community
Look for Campus Resources
Visual Walkthrough: Learn about Your College’s Diversity Resources
Learn from Differences
Authentic Communication
Mutual Respect
14. Staying Healthy and Reducing Stress
Manage Your Stress and Anxiety
Eat, Sleep, and Exercise
Visual Walkthrough: Making Balanced Food Choices
Build a Community
Stay Connected
Study Strategies to Combat Stress
Stay Organized Using Time Management
Try New Strategies When Studying, Reading, and Writing
Be Safe Socially
Substance Abuse
Protecting Yourself against Sexual Assault
Consider Your Safety Online
15. Starting Your Career Journey
Dig into Your Interests
Narrow Down Your Career Choices
Connect Your Academic Plan to Your Career
Get Experience
Exploring Your Options
Connecting with Others
Visual Walkthrough: Résumé Writing, Cover Letter
Don’t Hesitate to Get Help
Dealing with the Unexpected
It’s Your Life
Notice What Matters to You
Appendix A: Living on Campus
Appendix B: Living off Campus
Product Updates
Increased emphasis on the application of what students are learning helps them take positive steps toward college success while feeling encouraged to reflect and act on their own personal experiences.
InfoAction!, a new activity-based feature in each chapter uses engaging statistics in a two-part activity that encourages students to reflect on and apply what they’re learning. Data is displayed using eye-catching infographics that help make it easy to understand.
Newly-updated chapter openers cross-reference specific digital assets in LaunchPad Solo for College Success, connecting students to relevant video case studies and other online activities right from the start.
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If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
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Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
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We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
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ISBN:9781319262921
Take notes, add highlights, and download our mobile-friendly e-books.
ISBN:9781319306601
This package includes Paperback and iClicker Student.
FAQs
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Are you a campus bookstore looking for ordering information?
MPS Order Search Tool (MOST) is a web-based purchase order tracking program that allows customers to view and track their purchases. No registration or special codes needed! Just enter your BILL-TO ACCT # and your ZIP CODE to track orders.
Canadian Stores: Please use only the first five digits/letters in your zip code on MOST.
Visit MOST, our online ordering system for booksellers: https://tracking.mpsvirginia.com/Login.aspx
Learn more about our Bookstore programs here: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/contact-us/booksellers
-
-
-
Our courses currently integrate with Canvas, Blackboard (Learn and Ultra), Brightspace, D2L, and Moodle. Click on the support documentation below to find out more details about the integration with each LMS.
Integrate Macmillan courses with Blackboard
Integrate Macmillan courses with Canvas
-
-
-
If you’re a verified instructor, you can request a free sample of our courseware, e-book, or print textbook to consider for use in your courses. Only registered and verified instructors can receive free print and digital samples, and they should not be sold to bookstores or book resellers. If you don't yet have an existing account with Macmillan Learning, it can take up to two business days to verify your status as an instructor. You can request a free sample from the right side of this product page by clicking on the "Request Instructor Sample" button or by contacting your rep. Learn more.
-
-
-
Sometimes also referred to as a spiral-bound or binder-ready textbook, loose-leaf textbooks are available to purchase. This three-hole punched, unbound version of the book costs less than a hardcover or paperback book.
-
-
-
We can help! Contact your representative to discuss your specific needs for your course. If our off-the-shelf course materials don’t quite hit the mark, we also offer custom solutions made to fit your needs.
-
The Pocket Guide to College Success
The Pocket Guide to College Success provides straightforward and easily consumable coverage on all the topics typically found in a full-size college success text in a handy, affordable, highly-customizable format. Chapters on academic skills like time management, academic planning, and note-taking get students ready for success in class, while life skills like goal-setting, money management, and interpersonal communication help them throughout their entire collegiate experience and beyond. Perfect for use as a self-directed student reference outside of a first-year course (or where there is no such course), Pocket is also a full-course solution, available with a robust instructor’s manual and suite of digital resources to empower your first-year program.
Select a demo to view:
Sample Achieve