Work hard, play hard. This is the recipe for success. Now stop reading, and go conquer the world.
Overwhelmed? In a nutshell, that is the lesson in "How to Become a Straight-A Student," which claims to be "the blueprint for success." Cal Newport, a 2004 Dartmouth graduate, introduces a practical work ethic that promises to create coveted free time in the life of a college student.
The student-friendly mind-set is what sets this academic success manual apart from the countless others. It is written by students for students and follows the study habits of successful college students, providing case studies for application purposes.
Newport interviewed straight-A students from across the country to identify exactly what it takes to make the grade. The result is a practical, readable and concise guide to academic excellence.
The first item tackled is study basics, the beginning of success. The key is, drum roll please - time management - wow, not surprising. Newport gives practical advice on how to manage time efficiently. He prescribes calendars and to-do lists, which allow students to take advantage of time in between classes or even while waiting for the bus.
A chapter is devoted to procrastination, a battle not to be ignored, and how to fight it. To achieve victory over procrastination, Newport says to study diligently - earlier rather than later. Time spent studying should not be gauged by length; rather, intensity is crucial. The secret is in the system and in making the most of the time allotted for studying.
A section of the book provides information specifically for making "As" on quizzes and exams. There is the obvious: go to class, take notes and do the reading. Yet, valuable information is found in this section - a formula for taking good notes is relayed with sample problems, examples and techniques. Newport, understanding the college life, encourages students not to spend too much time on the supplemental reading, but instead focus on the primary readings.
Essays and papers are addressed last, as it is the most time-consuming task in the life of a college student. Writing is a process. Newport cites a few outside writing handbooks to help direct one's individual writing style, while specifically addressing the accomplishment of a finished paper. He offers ideas on finding a thesis, conducting research, crafting the story, finding second opinions and editing, along with a rough timeline to apportion a reasonable amount of time for writing each draft of that "A" paper.
Reading this book will not, by itself, transform your transcript and impress Harvard, but with devotion to the ideas, such a result is possible.
The defining characteristic of this book is it does not ignore the fact that college students have an overwhelming tendency to procrastinate, sleep and have a good time, often putting grades at the bottom of the totem pole.
Cal Newport allows - and highly suggests - a social life and participation in student organizations, both of which accommodate a healthy balance of work and play. This book creates time in your schedule that allows the pursuit of such activities and after every section an outline is provided to reference the key points. The book is readable, fast-paced and to the point. It is sectioned into three specialized parts: study basics, tests and essays.
"How to Become a Straight-A Student" equips the college student with an attainable, hands-on guidebook to do well in all classes, without becoming a caffeine-addicted recluse.
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