Better Than College: How to Build a Successful Life Without a Four-Year Degree

by Blake Boles

Do you need college in order to be taken seriously and earn a real living? Conventional wisdom says yes. But true success relies upon self-knowledge and two qualities that you can obtain effectively and inexpensively without traditional college.Better Than College provides the step-by-step guidance and inspiration necessary to design your own higher education. This book teaches you how to find community, stay on track, and get hired or start your own venture, all without a four-year degree. Curious college students will learn to think clearly about their motivations, plan a gap year, or navigate life after school. And Better Than College will show parents how self-directed learning can lead to a lifetime of achievement—no expensive institution required.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self Help, Business, Lifestyle, How To

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2012

Reviews

[Pete Welter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard the author, Blake Boles, and a recent Classroom 2.0 presentation and was quite impressed.

The idea that college is the only path to success is an assumption that needs to be questioned, especially given the cost of college versus the benefit for many students. College can be a fantastic experience and is the right choice for some people. However, leaving aside the credential of the diploma, is there a way for someone to get a similar (or greater) educational and experiential background than college gives?

Boles' answer is yes, and besides just making the case for that statement, he spends most of this thin and readable book on concrete actions for embarking on a life of self-directed learning and service. He calls this this SDL 2.0, in that SDL 1.0 is learning for yourself, while SDL 2.0 the focus moves towards serving others while gaining the experience and knowledge to fulfill your goals. We're not talking about not doing college and working at the grocery store here - this is replacing college is a proactive agenda for growing and experiencing, but based on an agenda of one's own construction.

College is often see as the "no risk" option for those who can afford it, but Boles makes the point that there is also risk in going to college. You may spend tens of thousands of dollars only to find out that you don't enjoy what you're majoring in, or even if you do, that finding employment is difficult. Although there are a number of statistics that show earnings of college grads is significantly higher than non-grads, he makes the good point that this is skewed by the small number of Ivy League schools and by particular majors (law, engineering, medicine) for which college does result in good paying jobs, but that don't represent the average college student. Again, the point isn't a that attending college is a bad idea, but more than is far more nuanced and deserves more attention than the majority of people - and indeed our culture - gives it.

One positive about college is that it will force you, through required classes and coursework, to learn something - you will be extrinsically motivated, through grades and quest for a degree, to do so. In this book Boles spends an appreciable amount of time addressing the motivational aspects of self-learning: how do you set goals, how do you motivate yourself to those goals without an external force, how do you choose goals that stretch you?

Some favorite ideas from the book from people he quotes:

From Peter Thiel: college is about scarcity and status - if Harvard were really the best model for education, why hasn't it been franchised and duplicated? (that is a GREAT point IMHO).

From Paul Graham: The best protection is to be working on hard problems. Writing novels is hard. Reading novels isn't.

From Tina Seelig: Real life is the ultimate open book exam.

This a book worth reading, if you are a young person or a parent of a young person at a point in life where college has become the question, or if you question the idea that our current educational system is the only way to create a successful, enjoyable life. You can see more about the book at http://www.better-than-college.com/ and if you are a teen or student, Boles has a link to download the book for free. This is a very cool gesture, but if you aren't in that group, or the cost isn't a barrier - please buy the book - he deserves to be supported).

[Kait Butterfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Boles gives good insight on whether or not college is right for everyone. I like his philosophy that a degree doesn't guarantee that you have actually learned something. He points out that a lot of work is required to make your own imprint on society regardless of a formal education.

He provided a lot of references and links to help a reader get started on their self-directed education. Personally, I did not find them helpful but I might refer to them in the future.

What I did find helpful was the fact that I have been wondering if college is for me for a long time. Even when I was a kid I liked the idea of educating myself, studying things that actually interested me. Unfortunately I lacked the know-how and discipline to learn a great deal on my own. This book helped me see that I am not alone in my doubts about higher education.

But Boles does point out that college is necessary for many careers. I like the emphasis on the importance of taking our time when it comes to deciding not only what to major in but what we really want to do with our lives.

Boles also talks about the importance of frugality and learning things with the hope that we can one day influence someone for good. In a nutshell, he says we won't get far if our education is intended only for our benefit. The point is to help others. That's ultimately what I like most about this book.

[James Cripps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish these books didn't have to represent themselves as so anti-college on the cover. Indeed, early on in the book the author writes "make no mistake: society needs college-trained doctors,
PhDs, architects, engineers, and (not quite so many) lawyers...They’ve seen the inside of a profes-
sion, and they feel a deep calling. But most don’t."

What "most" people feel/want/think is always an assumption that authors of these books make. If you feel you are one of this "most" crowd, then dive in because there's never been a better time.

I think this movement is hugely promising. However, I only skim-read because I've heard it all before in similar books "e.g. Don't Go Back To School". The key things are to harness the internet, live frugally, reach out to mentors & experts, create networks, travel, write and read, and my personal favourite: "fake it til you make it". I don't doubt you'd be a better person with a greater variety of experiences. Rather than suffering the factory-line of formal education for too long.

But let's not forget the context from which these books are coming - America. To be more precise, Silicon Valley in the midst of social media/startup/internet/entrepeneurship frenzy. Anything can be done with a laptop and wifi connection. This is a rare kind of culture that's slowly spreading globally. It doesn't look like its stopping, but it's still slow, nonetheless. Many mindsets have yet to be changed.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boles offers some great ideas and fun questions to help one get started with life goals. I wish he had written more extensively on the frugality aspect, as lifestyle expectations truly effects one's options. If you're a reader from the US, a heads up that there is no mention of how to secure healthcare while one is patchingworking gigs, traveling, interning or otherwise not traditionally covered by an employer plan. The emphasis is on being entreneurial, and although that encompasses more avenues than one would expect, this book is probably not going to be as helpful for introverts or young adults who are not interested in selling a product or service. He does talk about how to utilize volunteer opportunities, but more in a vein of how to use them as a stepping stone for personal gain, rather than out of a heart for service. Lastly, I wish he'd been more upfront about his failures and burned bridges, although I'm glad he was honest enough to include them at all. They were relegated to a paragraph or two toward the end, after presenting a glossy version of his success throughout the book. Still worth a read.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've been wanting to read. The theory and the practical are neatly explained in this friendly book.

I also have to point out that even though it is aimed at young adults, I think it would be helpful for anyone contemplating change and possibility.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boles does a great job presenting his ideas quickly and with just enough detail. The book was very inspiring and corresponds to the ideas presented in Godin's Icarus Deception about the 21st century requiring us to forge our own paths.

[Kimberly Hallahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots to think about. Excellent tips and tools for anyone taking a gap year, or already finished with college.

[Michelle Crunkleton-Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it contains some good information and advice, I was a bit disappointed. The young adults that he choses to highlight seem to have a lot going on and go on adventures and down paths that I think would be out of reach to a lot of people. I fear it would be off-putting to those that feel truly lost. There is also some wacky advice, like if you aren't going to college, you can still hang around on college campuses, sit in on classes, and visit with professors. While, that is probably doable, if you choose not to go to college, why would you do that. I had heard the author speak and I was impressed with what he had to say. Perhaps I will try another of his books.

[Gina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was more aimed at those creators who kind of know what they want, but feel like college is something they must do. If you don't know what you want to do with your life at all, you may want to wait on this one. But I loved the message of this book!! And it's cool to read about a fellow unschooler.

[Firena Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super awesome ideas! Even though I plan on going to college this was still really valuable to read. Lots of further reading/book recommendations, ideas for starting things (that still leave your success in your own hands), and inspiration in it.

[Giovanni Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, though it took me a few weeks to decide if I wanted to continue to read the book. Book focused on things I already worked on in the past, and I honestly did not learn much I could not "google" and put into action.

[Yog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Although the idea of skipping college had already been in my head for a while, this book made it firmer. Definitely would recommend to all 7.5 billion people.

[ESV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read it 20yrs ago. But no matter what age of is a vital reference.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshing and inspiring look at alternative paths after high school. I’ll definitely be passing this one along to my kids.

[Steven Slaughter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book for anyone with children – especially those getting up into middle and high school. The title is more provocative than accurate. Boles is not really suggesting that you SHOULDN'T go to college. Rather, he is challenging it as an assumed good for everyone. He is challenging us – in these days when screwing around for freshmen year just set you back 40 or 50k – to help our kids think more strategically about what they want to do with their lives, and then looking at ALL of the options for how to get there. I think he makes a really compelling case that a self-directed 'unschooler' can learn more, gain more relevant experience, and impress future employers more than just flashing a diploma. This path, though, requires a young person to be far more disciplined and self-directed and creative.

Obviously, certain careers require certifications that are only achieved through formal education, and Boles encourages that path for folks who know they want to do something requiring the degree. One of his ideas that I plan on encouraging for my kids is the structured gap year. Far from a year of beatnik living – though there's nothing wrong with some of that mixed in – this concept involves designing a challenging course of personal study, internships, apprenticeships, travel, etc., all documented through a blog/e-portfolio. A year like this seems, to me, to be a wonderful investment and a powerful path to figuring out what you really might want to do next. And if it leads you to enroll in college – great! – you're going in with a clearer plan.

The cost of higher education now is simply too high to get into lightly, yet we are culturally conditioned to believe, still, that without it we would be doomed. But we need to challenge this collective brainwashing. The truth is that crushing, inescapable debt shackles so many people for DECADES. Taking this on casually seems like the height of recklessness. Boles approach seems much more sensible, mature, and exciting.

[Melanie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 42, I have to say that I found this book truly inspiring. After more formal education than necessary, I was contemplating going back to school to get a PhD in entrepreneurship, when what I really needed to be doing was having a life experience being an entrepreneur. I know that I am going to learn so much more by practicing entrepreneurship, than studying it. I loved Blake's life-exploring questions to help clarify goals and directions, especially by adding the constraint that you couldn't accumulate more than 6-months living expenses as your wealth. I wish I had this book half a lifetime ago when I was at my third college in my umpteenth major, wasting time and resources,and gathering self-doubt instead of self-confidence. His book recommendations are excellent. I loved Daniel Pink's "Free Agent Nation" when it came out, and have referred to my present paycheck providing position as my current gig ever since. I want to take young people around the world and get paid for it! I especially loved the quality of this self-published book. And Seth Godin's "Stop Stealing Dreams" put my life on a different path after reading it last February. Bravo, Blake Boles! And may many more excellent books be in your future--our world and young people need them.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

From reading the first few pages, you will understand that the target audience is young entrepreneurs/ future graduates from the US. Although I don't fit perfectly in the target demography, I found this to be an inspiring and eye opening book providing alternative strategies for young people to build a successful career and life. Blakes argument for and against the traditional educational system is very convincing and I am inclined to agree with all his arguments. Here in India where educational qualifications and degrees are a BIG DEAL, some of his alternatives to traditional education doesn't necessarily work here(some of them do). However, this cannot be taken as a criticism since the target audience is young americans living in the US. Irrespective of who or where or what you are, I recommend you to read this book. Because everyone will find an interesting or insightful ideas from Blake.I particular found his Self-Directed Learning strategies to be enlightening. I hope to apply his SDL techniques and make a difference.

Do give this book a try!

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book that challenges the assumption that a college degree is the only pathway to a successful and fulfilling life. Blake Boles gives examples of self-directed learners and the alternative paths they took, as well as outlining some of the ways to pursue and complete "Zero Tuition College." It's an easy read, and I would highly recommend it for any teenager (or parent of a teenager). For so long, our society has taught us to believe that a college degree is necessary; but the world has changed dramatically, and perhaps college isn't the answer to every question. I have been fascinated with the idea of "unschooling" for K-12 students for awhile now, and this book explains the college equivalent of unschooling. Definitely worth your time and consideration.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes to this book. I relatively recently have realized that college is not the only way, and this book provides the alternative, but you build the alternative to your wants and needs. Of course there are some people that will still need to go to college for those life goals that require it, but the principles in this book can still be applied to get the most out of your higher education. I was disappointed that the zct website didn't exist anymore, but, again the principles are still there in the book and any motivated person can still achieve it all.

And it was a quick read with short sections, great for a busy working mom.

[Rei ⭐ [TrulyBooked] · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover makes it feel like it can overthrow colleges altogether, but it does say early on in the book that's not the case. I guess the reason I rated it low is that it doesn't really seem helpful to me. It talks most about the American experience, but doesn't give enough concrete details for me. I felt like we were having a high level, very basic talk about it.

However, the book is free for those who can't afford it and the author seems genuinely invested which is amazing. In fact, just for that, I'm bumping up my two star to a three star. Good on you, sir.

[Darcey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was remarkably disappointed with this. I don't know if it's because of the consistent focus on digital aspects and networking without offering some sound "curricular" examples, or whether it was because it simply didn't address something relevant for someone like me - but I found that the last quarter of the book is virtually all acknowledgements, lists of names, and footnotes -- making the 144 pages closer to 108 of actual valuable info (and even that, not so awesome).

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, inspiring read offering concrete steps for young adults who want to work toward living a meaningful life on their own terms. Some of the best stuff in the book is not IN the book; the author suggests many helpful books and websites.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting argument evaluating the possibilities of gaining an education without the student debt. I enjoyed the author's insights on taking this alternate route to discover lifelong and passionate learning.

Quick and invigorating read; download your free PDF copy for a lot to think about.

[Elizabeth Lund]

Highly recommended for anyone who's feeling unsure about college.

[Mischa]

A very easy quick read full of great insight and resources.

[Jolene Knighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some interesting ideas. Challenges the notion that all high school students should go straight to college.

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

great ideas

[Guillermo Del Pino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estoy bastante de acuerdo con lo que dice Boles en el libro la verdad, muestra una alternativa clara y con ejemplos prácticos de como La universidad o establecimientos de este tipo no son la única manera de alcanzar una educación de nivel superior.
Recomendado para aquellos que realmente duden de sus opciones luego de haber terminado la educación secundaria y para aquellos que como muchos realmente no encajan con la manera en que la educación tradicional intenta enseñarnos.
En mi caso no fue un libro decisivo en mi forma de ver la educación y mi propio camino en el aprendizaje pero probablemente para otras personas pueda llegar a ser realmente útil e incluso revelador.