How to Bust the Textbook Crunch

Anyone who is in college today knows that one of the most outlandish costs involved is buying the books that go along with each course.

They are ridiculously high. How often would you buy a book that is on the New York Times Bestseller List that cost over a hundred bucks? Never! That's right! Never!

What does this have to do with the high cost of textbooks? Well, it has a lot to do with it. Because most textbooks are only used once. They are normally very boring, unless the text is in your major, which can still be pretty boring. And, to top it all off at the end of the semester you will probably never want to see or read the book (or) books again!

The challenge lies in finding ways to get the books you need, getting rid of them when you are done with them ( hopefully getting some scratch for them) and in some cases not even getting the books at all.

The first step is making sure you do not purchase the books until you have received your syllabus for the class. You might find that you will very rarely need the book (or) books that are listed on the syllabus after reading through it.

Here is a three-point strategy for getting, and getting rid of textbooks that are a high-priced necessity for your college courses.

1) If, after you have read your syllabus, you find that you will rarely need the book listed, begin to look for them at your nearest library. If you live in a college town, the college, itself, will have a library. Check it out, and continue to do so. I live in a city that has one of the most respected public library systems in the United States, so I am able to get mine there.

2) If the books are not in the library system- look for used textbooks. Most college bookstores will try to get you to buy them there. I caution you against this. Call or go to used bookstores in your area. Also, check online for used books '" this is becoming a booming business online. Take advantage of it!

3) After the class is over- if you did buy the book '" sell it! There are many places in most towns where this can happen. You can also see used textbooks online. You might not get back what you put in, but you will get a portion of the outgo. Every little bit helps with higher education.

Remember, never, never, buy textbooks before the first class of the semester, before fully reading the syllabus. That is the cardinal rule. If you or your parents are paying for this gift of higher education, every corner that is cut is a good one!