Returning to College Easier with "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success"

Authors: Al Siebert, PhD & Mary Karr, MS

Publisher: Practical Psychology Press

Publication Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-944227

List Price: $15.00

Electronic version also available. ISBN-13: 978-0-944227-40-4

"The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success" truly drives home the concept that it is never too late to consider starting or returning to college.

With practical tips and real-life stories, authors Al Siebert and Mary Karr show that even adults with learning difficulties, kids, and/or demanding jobs are beginning or returning to college. This is largely thanks to a modern culture that more readily promotes people of all ages participating in higher education as students.

This thorough guide, which can be read all at once or by different sections as needed, gives a number of proven suggestions to help adults at all stages of the college entry process. Whether it is writing down negative feelings, creating and sticking to studying schedules, or exactly how to study, Siebert and Karr work to instill confidence and can-do attitudes without an unrealistic "cheerleader" type of attitude.

Returning to college will not always be easy. "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success" notes that sacrifices will be necessary, including possible reduced free time and even difficulties with family and friends. However, Siebert and Karr offer practical solutions to virtually every type of problem an adult student may face when going back to school.

Another helpful aspect of "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success" is that a realistic view of online classes is offered. Some students believe that online courses are easier than classroom courses, which almost anyone who has experienced distance learning probably knows is not true. Siebert and Karr explain thoroughly the advantages (scheduling your schoolwork at any hour from any computer location) and disadvantages (possibly even more time devoted to writing responses rather than stating brief comments in a traditional classroom setting.)

Those needing study tips will not be disappointed by "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival and Success." Siebert and Karr explain how to alternate studying different subjects so information can be better retained, getting to know one's personal learning style, and the importance of stretch breaks. Note taking, papers, and exams are all thoroughly explored. Helpful hints such as how to deal with different types of professors and creating (and finishing!) daily to-do lists for school, personal, and business tasks is also covered in easy-to-apply terms.

Siebert is author of other books such as "The Resiliency Factor" and incorporates this subject into the content of "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival and Success." The information is helpful and doesn't come across as a sales pitch. Resiliency is indeed key for adult students starting or returning to college, which is a continued theme throughout "The Adult Student's Guide to Survival and Success."