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College Rules!: How to Study, Survive, and Succeed in College
And You Thought Getting into College Was Hard . . .
Students who assume they can figure out college on the fly often learn things the hard way—they look back and think, “If only I’d known this from the start!” College Rules! will save you the time and trouble, setting you up for academic success from the get-go. Lesson #1: College is different from high school, and even those who were at the top of their class will need practical advice on how to successfully transition to college life. This updated and expanded third edition of College Rules! reveals strategies that aren’t taught in lectures, including how
Study smarter—not harder
Plan a manageable course schedule
Master e-learning technologies
Interact effectively with profs
Become a research pro—at the library and online
Organize killer study groups
Feel engaged—even in “yawn” courses
Survive the stresses of exam week
Succeed even as an alternative or adult student
Set yourself up for stellar recommendations
Saving time, energy, and aggravation by doing everything right the first time will free you up for that pizza break, ultimate frisbee game, or ski trip even quicker. Why? Because College Rules!
Students who assume they can figure out college on the fly often learn things the hard way—they look back and think, “If only I’d known this from the start!” College Rules! will save you the time and trouble, setting you up for academic success from the get-go. Lesson #1: College is different from high school, and even those who were at the top of their class will need practical advice on how to successfully transition to college life. This updated and expanded third edition of College Rules! reveals strategies that aren’t taught in lectures, including how
Study smarter—not harder
Plan a manageable course schedule
Master e-learning technologies
Interact effectively with profs
Become a research pro—at the library and online
Organize killer study groups
Feel engaged—even in “yawn” courses
Survive the stresses of exam week
Succeed even as an alternative or adult student
Set yourself up for stellar recommendations
Saving time, energy, and aggravation by doing everything right the first time will free you up for that pizza break, ultimate frisbee game, or ski trip even quicker. Why? Because College Rules!
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
36 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 3, 2019
A must read for college students
I read this book years ago. I wasn’t a good student in high school and thought a book would magically make me one. It didn’t. However, when I went back to school years later, I found myself floundering again. I knew I was smart but there was so much I didn’t know. This book sprung to mind and I read it again, and this time I actually used the strategies in the book. What a difference!!! I finished in 2 1/2 years at community college and was able to transfer to a university of my choice from two really competitive programs. I will be buying this book for my cousin who starts college next fall. It has loads of helpful advice about different classes and all the things that make up an educational experience.
I read this book years ago. I wasn’t a good student in high school and thought a book would magically make me one. It didn’t. However, when I went back to school years later, I found myself floundering again. I knew I was smart but there was so much I didn’t know. This book sprung to mind and I read it again, and this time I actually used the strategies in the book. What a difference!!! I finished in 2 1/2 years at community college and was able to transfer to a university of my choice from two really competitive programs. I will be buying this book for my cousin who starts college next fall. It has loads of helpful advice about different classes and all the things that make up an educational experience.
December 17, 2019
College Rules! Is a great tool that I will take with me to college in the fall. Everything was very well written and explained!
April 2, 2018
Too Much Expected From Students
In this guide for students they tell students to pre read, read, then take notes on the reading. For someone in a literature program like myself that is over 400 pages a week and that is ridiculous. That is their smarter study method. The note taking methods also seem out of sync with the reality of college. Better off going with another guide.
In this guide for students they tell students to pre read, read, then take notes on the reading. For someone in a literature program like myself that is over 400 pages a week and that is ridiculous. That is their smarter study method. The note taking methods also seem out of sync with the reality of college. Better off going with another guide.
July 24, 2025
- This book hit the nail squarely on the head. I felt like it was a gold mine of knowledge!
- I wish I could've read this book before I started college bc it is very accurate as to what college is like
- I felt like the tips relating to technology were a little dated
- Definitely recommend for students!
- I wish I could've read this book before I started college bc it is very accurate as to what college is like
- I felt like the tips relating to technology were a little dated
- Definitely recommend for students!
August 28, 2025
4.00
To be fair to this book, I was not the target audience, I've already done two years of uni so I already knew a lot of the things this book was talking about. Nonetheless, I got a lot of good tips and advice out of this book that I plan to put into action in the future. There were a lot of sections and different topics which is definitely good if you just want to flip through to certain topics, but I read it through like a normal novel and that worked well for me. There were just a few quotes and things they said that I disagree with, but compared to how much good stuff this contains, I'm fine to overlook those.
To be fair to this book, I was not the target audience, I've already done two years of uni so I already knew a lot of the things this book was talking about. Nonetheless, I got a lot of good tips and advice out of this book that I plan to put into action in the future. There were a lot of sections and different topics which is definitely good if you just want to flip through to certain topics, but I read it through like a normal novel and that worked well for me. There were just a few quotes and things they said that I disagree with, but compared to how much good stuff this contains, I'm fine to overlook those.
May 30, 2018
The title says it all. Learn how to study, survive, and succeed in college. Full of useful tips for college students, whether you're new to college straight out of high school or returning after taking some time off.
November 27, 2018
A nice self help book. Highly recommended to the students of all ages and levels.
January 12, 2021
4th edition, c2016 Excellent
June 21, 2021
This one is really good to get the basics on how to "do" college.
November 25, 2021
Good book with good advice! Pretty useful for those going to college 4/5 stars.
July 7, 2016
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Blogging For Books/10 Speed Press in exchange for an honest review.]
For the most part, this is a pleasant and engaging read from two professors who do their best over the course of this slightly longer than 300 page book to encourage the reader, intended as either a young adult or an older person returning to college after years in the workforce, to succeed in college. As someone who from time to time reads about such matters [1], this book comes across as a mixture of serious fun, with a clear purpose and intent by the author to encourage successful behavior, as well as sometimes sad notes on those who have made serious errors that the reader can learn from in the course of their college. They are especially interested in the psychology of the professors, about which they have much to say, like the following: “Your professors are actually just regular folks who happen to have lots of education. When they look out over the sea of faces in a class, they see students who are bright, capable, and have a real desire to learn.” That is what I have seen, after all, whenever I have taught any sort of class over the course of my life so far, and therefore rings true with my experience as both a student and teacher.
The contents and structure of this book are organized for a disciplined reader. There are twenty-five chapters in the slightly more than 300 pages of the book, making each chapter between ten and fifteen pages on average. The chapters include content on the transition between high school and college, where to find help, a few words about professors, selecting courses and a major, adjusting to the demands of college, technology and learning, time management, motivation, learning orientation, stress management, how students learn, beliefs about learning, concentration while studying, the importance of knowing a course syllabus, understanding the expectations of professors, note taking strategies, vocabulary, active reading, improving memory through reflecting, rehearsing, reviewing, and monitoring information, studying smarter, research and presentations, preparing for objective and essay exams, and some final words and frequently asked questions. As might be expected, the information that is covered is done so in a thorough fashion, and each chapter is peppered with boxes of useful information discussing apps, and sections like “use it or lose it,” “listen up,” “sad but true,” “urban legend,” “do your homework,” and “for adults only” sections for returning students. Each of the chapters is also full of interesting and insightful quotes as well as research taken from the authors’ extensive body of work concerning learning and education.
Nevertheless, in all of the material covered in the book there is a large aspect of college life and its aftermath that is entirely neglected, and that is the matter of college debt and the general question of whether college is worth it. Although there is some discussion of careers and majors that are either career oriented or not, and at least one reference to older women seeking one particular scholarship named after Jeanette Rankin, the authors pointedly avoid the thorny discussion of college debt and its consequences [2]. Given the tenuous relationship between academic achievement and the standard of living of many graduates, the authors’ silence with regards to the question of who is going to pay for the education and how it is to be paid is deafening. Given the high level of detail contained in the rest of the book, it seems impossible that the subject slipped their minds altogether, but it is uncharitable to think that they avoided talking about the question because it would be threatening to their aim of encouraging people to go to college and to support their own standard of living and those of their fellow professors. Sometimes what is not written is as important as what is, and the fact that financial matters are a great source of stress for students while they are in college and for many years afterward is something that deserved mention. After all, college is supposed to be an aid to success and survival in life, and succeeding in college itself is only the first task of adulthood for many people. After that, college is supposed to pay dividends, something that for all too many people is simply not the case.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
For the most part, this is a pleasant and engaging read from two professors who do their best over the course of this slightly longer than 300 page book to encourage the reader, intended as either a young adult or an older person returning to college after years in the workforce, to succeed in college. As someone who from time to time reads about such matters [1], this book comes across as a mixture of serious fun, with a clear purpose and intent by the author to encourage successful behavior, as well as sometimes sad notes on those who have made serious errors that the reader can learn from in the course of their college. They are especially interested in the psychology of the professors, about which they have much to say, like the following: “Your professors are actually just regular folks who happen to have lots of education. When they look out over the sea of faces in a class, they see students who are bright, capable, and have a real desire to learn.” That is what I have seen, after all, whenever I have taught any sort of class over the course of my life so far, and therefore rings true with my experience as both a student and teacher.
The contents and structure of this book are organized for a disciplined reader. There are twenty-five chapters in the slightly more than 300 pages of the book, making each chapter between ten and fifteen pages on average. The chapters include content on the transition between high school and college, where to find help, a few words about professors, selecting courses and a major, adjusting to the demands of college, technology and learning, time management, motivation, learning orientation, stress management, how students learn, beliefs about learning, concentration while studying, the importance of knowing a course syllabus, understanding the expectations of professors, note taking strategies, vocabulary, active reading, improving memory through reflecting, rehearsing, reviewing, and monitoring information, studying smarter, research and presentations, preparing for objective and essay exams, and some final words and frequently asked questions. As might be expected, the information that is covered is done so in a thorough fashion, and each chapter is peppered with boxes of useful information discussing apps, and sections like “use it or lose it,” “listen up,” “sad but true,” “urban legend,” “do your homework,” and “for adults only” sections for returning students. Each of the chapters is also full of interesting and insightful quotes as well as research taken from the authors’ extensive body of work concerning learning and education.
Nevertheless, in all of the material covered in the book there is a large aspect of college life and its aftermath that is entirely neglected, and that is the matter of college debt and the general question of whether college is worth it. Although there is some discussion of careers and majors that are either career oriented or not, and at least one reference to older women seeking one particular scholarship named after Jeanette Rankin, the authors pointedly avoid the thorny discussion of college debt and its consequences [2]. Given the tenuous relationship between academic achievement and the standard of living of many graduates, the authors’ silence with regards to the question of who is going to pay for the education and how it is to be paid is deafening. Given the high level of detail contained in the rest of the book, it seems impossible that the subject slipped their minds altogether, but it is uncharitable to think that they avoided talking about the question because it would be threatening to their aim of encouraging people to go to college and to support their own standard of living and those of their fellow professors. Sometimes what is not written is as important as what is, and the fact that financial matters are a great source of stress for students while they are in college and for many years afterward is something that deserved mention. After all, college is supposed to be an aid to success and survival in life, and succeeding in college itself is only the first task of adulthood for many people. After that, college is supposed to pay dividends, something that for all too many people is simply not the case.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
April 19, 2016
Are you thinking about going to college? Are you already in college and wondering why you’re not doing that well, or maybe you think you’re doing well but find that you’re frustrating your professors (and maybe even your classmates)? Are you completely unable or unwilling to be introspective and, therefore, have no clue how you’re doing in college? If you answer any of these questions in the affirmative, pick up a copy of College Rules!: How to Study, Survive, and Succeed in College today. In fact, read it even if you don’t think you need to. You’ll thank me later.
Originally published in 2002, College Rules! is now in its fourth edition, updated with technology advice and tips for adult learners among other things. Authors, longtime teachers, and PhD holders Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Holschuh have done a marvelous job communicating the necessities, pitfalls, and escape routes of college life. I wish this book had existed when I was in college (or before). If so, I may not have had what I call my “first attempt” at undergrad. Of course, there are two problems with this book from the perspective of my former self: 1) it’s a book, and 2) it’s over 300 pages! I was one of those who never studied in high school, was in AP everything, involved in a number of extra curricular activities, and got an A in most courses. I hated reading, so I didn’t do it—why would I if grades were all that mattered? Well, college is not high school, as the authors point out on several occasions, and if grades are all that matter (they aren’t), then reading matters. (I, however, didn’t read anything until the summer before my final year of undergrad when I was required to read eleven books over three summer courses with no way around it. That broke my barrier of distaste for reading and cured me of falling asleep after every couple pages, but didn’t help any of my previous years of college. If I had not forced myself to read and read well [key], I never would have made it through my graduate work. I now read several books a week and get books for free [like this one] to review. Yes, we can change.) So, for students who hate to read, it may be beneficial to begin with chapters 18 and 19 in this book just to get a heads up on the importance of reading and paying attention, but know that the book is already written in a very accessible and engaging manner—this isn’t like one of your dreaded textbooks! (For the authors, this may be a good point to encourage the scripting and production of a short video series to be viewed on Netflix for all these millennials.)
From a professor’s perspective, this book covers virtually every question and concern I’ve had to or wanted to address but didn’t have the time or place to so do. Much of this is universal and doesn’t seem to change, to which my wife can attest with her students class after class and year after year. So, for those professors who need a resource to point to for struggling students—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and even the late-blooming seniors—this is it.
If you are faculty or staff at a high school that has (or is looking to develop) college-prep curriculum, consider adopting this book. Many colleges and universities have a one-credit course akin to “welcome to our school/college” that could also benefit from this book’s incorporation. There are twenty-five chapters that can easily be spread out among a semester for college students or a chapter a day (reading homework!) for high school seniors. College Rules! may very well find its way onto all future syllabi as recommended reading, if not required!
Oh, so highly recommended!
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
Originally published in 2002, College Rules! is now in its fourth edition, updated with technology advice and tips for adult learners among other things. Authors, longtime teachers, and PhD holders Sherrie Nist-Olejnik and Jodi Patrick Holschuh have done a marvelous job communicating the necessities, pitfalls, and escape routes of college life. I wish this book had existed when I was in college (or before). If so, I may not have had what I call my “first attempt” at undergrad. Of course, there are two problems with this book from the perspective of my former self: 1) it’s a book, and 2) it’s over 300 pages! I was one of those who never studied in high school, was in AP everything, involved in a number of extra curricular activities, and got an A in most courses. I hated reading, so I didn’t do it—why would I if grades were all that mattered? Well, college is not high school, as the authors point out on several occasions, and if grades are all that matter (they aren’t), then reading matters. (I, however, didn’t read anything until the summer before my final year of undergrad when I was required to read eleven books over three summer courses with no way around it. That broke my barrier of distaste for reading and cured me of falling asleep after every couple pages, but didn’t help any of my previous years of college. If I had not forced myself to read and read well [key], I never would have made it through my graduate work. I now read several books a week and get books for free [like this one] to review. Yes, we can change.) So, for students who hate to read, it may be beneficial to begin with chapters 18 and 19 in this book just to get a heads up on the importance of reading and paying attention, but know that the book is already written in a very accessible and engaging manner—this isn’t like one of your dreaded textbooks! (For the authors, this may be a good point to encourage the scripting and production of a short video series to be viewed on Netflix for all these millennials.)
From a professor’s perspective, this book covers virtually every question and concern I’ve had to or wanted to address but didn’t have the time or place to so do. Much of this is universal and doesn’t seem to change, to which my wife can attest with her students class after class and year after year. So, for those professors who need a resource to point to for struggling students—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and even the late-blooming seniors—this is it.
If you are faculty or staff at a high school that has (or is looking to develop) college-prep curriculum, consider adopting this book. Many colleges and universities have a one-credit course akin to “welcome to our school/college” that could also benefit from this book’s incorporation. There are twenty-five chapters that can easily be spread out among a semester for college students or a chapter a day (reading homework!) for high school seniors. College Rules! may very well find its way onto all future syllabi as recommended reading, if not required!
Oh, so highly recommended!
*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
December 21, 2016
College Rules! By Sherrie Nist-Olejnik, Ph.D. & Jodi Patrick Holschuch
My quest to find the perfect college orientation book continues. With a subtitle like “How to study, survive, and succeed in college,” College Rules! seemed like the perfect fit. Furthermore, College Rules! has now published its 4th edition, signifying its timeliness and timelessness.
The first thing I noticed when the book arrived in the mail was its size. The book is over 300 pages long. This is not surprising when you try to address every aspect of the college academic experience, but as a book written primarily for newly minted high school graduates, I could not imagine young students reading 300 pages regarding time management and study skills.
There are some boxes aimed at adult students through the book, but these boxes felt like an afterthought or simply out of place. Adult students have entirely different needs, they would need their own book.
There are also some boxes promoting apps and other software programs a college student could use. All this information could be useful, but it could also be completely outdated in a matter of weeks or months.
All in all, the information is very practical and accurate. If a student is willing to sit down and read this book, they are probably already studious enough for college. There is one section of the book I found very bizarre; when the authors advise you on the best way to guess at a multiple choice question if you don’t know the answer. I was not expecting that.
Note: I received this book through bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for an honest review.
My quest to find the perfect college orientation book continues. With a subtitle like “How to study, survive, and succeed in college,” College Rules! seemed like the perfect fit. Furthermore, College Rules! has now published its 4th edition, signifying its timeliness and timelessness.
The first thing I noticed when the book arrived in the mail was its size. The book is over 300 pages long. This is not surprising when you try to address every aspect of the college academic experience, but as a book written primarily for newly minted high school graduates, I could not imagine young students reading 300 pages regarding time management and study skills.
There are some boxes aimed at adult students through the book, but these boxes felt like an afterthought or simply out of place. Adult students have entirely different needs, they would need their own book.
There are also some boxes promoting apps and other software programs a college student could use. All this information could be useful, but it could also be completely outdated in a matter of weeks or months.
All in all, the information is very practical and accurate. If a student is willing to sit down and read this book, they are probably already studious enough for college. There is one section of the book I found very bizarre; when the authors advise you on the best way to guess at a multiple choice question if you don’t know the answer. I was not expecting that.
Note: I received this book through bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
Basic Rules For College
The large majority of this book is common sense if your child has been through high school. However, it is a good review of some key information that most students know….or it could be really helpful if you have a child who is apprehensive about going away to college to help them develop some successful strategies.
Towards the end of the book, the advice gets a little more in-depth but even the chapter that includes ideas on taking better notes includes the following basic key points: Be There On Time, Sit In Front, Be Prepared, Do Your Own Thing, Keep Going (write the entire period), Heads Up (listen for cues during the lecture), Listen Think (Fast) And Then Write Or Type Fast, Review Your Notes Regularly, Compare Notes With A Classmate. I asked my 18 year old son to also review the book before going away to his first year of college. He agreed that it was a helpful review…but not a lot of new, rich insights. Perhaps it would be a more helpful book for students who are entering high school.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
The large majority of this book is common sense if your child has been through high school. However, it is a good review of some key information that most students know….or it could be really helpful if you have a child who is apprehensive about going away to college to help them develop some successful strategies.
Towards the end of the book, the advice gets a little more in-depth but even the chapter that includes ideas on taking better notes includes the following basic key points: Be There On Time, Sit In Front, Be Prepared, Do Your Own Thing, Keep Going (write the entire period), Heads Up (listen for cues during the lecture), Listen Think (Fast) And Then Write Or Type Fast, Review Your Notes Regularly, Compare Notes With A Classmate. I asked my 18 year old son to also review the book before going away to his first year of college. He agreed that it was a helpful review…but not a lot of new, rich insights. Perhaps it would be a more helpful book for students who are entering high school.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.
April 9, 2009
I liked reading this book because the author organized her information very clearly. There was a section called sat but true which highlighted lessons that college students should avoid. I feel that reading this book reinforces what I know about college life and how to do well in school. One may simply think that doing their work and reviewing is good but there are many other techniques what can go about.
This book can help future college students because the information is very up to date. The author knows what a typical high school student is. Many areas of college life are covered.
This book can help future college students because the information is very up to date. The author knows what a typical high school student is. Many areas of college life are covered.
September 26, 2016
It's that time of year again when school is kicking back in and for me I am a lover of learning so books like this are my weakness. I love learning tips that can help me. I have, I think is the 1s or 2nd edition so when I saw that there was a 4th I wanted it. This book is full of great info! Books like this are great for anyone who's going to school. I found that when I was in high school books like this, even if it was based for college, had helpful tips for me. The 4th edition offers more, it's wonderful!
Read
July 24, 2016Excellent book for all students that want to be successful in college and even in high school. I talked with my daughter who is a college senior about this book and she mentioned that several of the things the book talks about are things that she wished she would have learned in high school instead of having to learn them in college. She felt that knowing this information earlier in her educational process would have helped her to succeed in college right from the beginning.
August 29, 2008
This book has so much information I could have used when I first went back to school. My only regret, I wish I would have read it sooner. Great resource of information!
May 3, 2012
Looks like a very interesting read. I wonder what they have to offer about the college experience and what advice they give to prospective college students.
June 22, 2012
This book gave good practical advice on college and I feel less worried about college now. I feel like I'll be able to tackle assignments much better now.
September 9, 2012
Nothing on writing papers! But overall, good tips on time management, taking notes, and reading actively. Some topics could definitely have been developed more in-depth.
Read
May 19, 2016Text book for College Success Seminar. Great read full of wonderful tips. This is one text book I intend to keep for future reference!
October 15, 2016
Should be on every post-secondary student's desk. Great tool!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews