The following is a guest post by Scott Huntington. For those still in the looking for a college stage, check out using the DIY College Search Spreadsheet class. The introduction is free.
Before many students enter their first semester of college this year, they ask themselves a fairly common question: How should I prepare for college this summer? One of the most fun and effective ways to prepare is to read quality literature. This could be anything from brilliantly written epics, like Moby-Dick, to thought-provoking advice books, like How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Digging into books like these will keep your reading and comprehension skills sharp throughout the summer, aiding in preparation and reducing stress. As someone entering college shortly, I am very glad to have recently read the books below; I feel they have helped considerably in honing my reading and comprehension skills as I enter college:
Moby-Dick
College assignments often consist of large chunks of reading, many with extended explanations that are very specific in their approach. In addition to delivering one of the greatest stories of all time, Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is an epic that serves as an example of writing with extensive research, all without abandoning richness and idiosyncrasy.
Melville used to work on a whale ship; he integrated his experiences there with an engrossing narrative to provide the most realistic setting possible. The conjoining of realism with imagination is something all incoming college students should keep in mind when tackling their future assignments.
For me, this book was a huge challenge. It’s extremely long, and at times goes into unnecessary detail. However, it’s perfect for getting you ready for even more challenging college texts.
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Apart from classes, it’s understandable for incoming college students to feel nervous about the social element of college. How easy will it be to make friends? Will my roommate like me? All these questions are very common. How to Win Friends & Influence People is the de-facto self-help book for people skills. It can be especially useful for new college students.
The book’s writer, Dale Carnegie, believed that 85 percent of financial success is reliant on “the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people.” The book touches on how to interact with people so they feel appreciated and vital, in addition to getting people to agree with you without feeling manipulated. These are life skills that are useful for anyone struggling with social interaction, new college students or otherwise.
Life of Pi
You may be more familiar with the film, but Yann Martel‘s fantasy novel is even richer. Philosophically heavy, the story of a boy stuck on a sinking “boat” offers plenty of time for contemplation. It helps emphasize that solitude is a positive thing when embraced and used for contemplation and meditation. Many incoming college students will initially feel alone; this book can teach them to make the most of it.
Eating Animals
Jonathan Safran Foer’s critique of the American farming system will make readers question their own eating habits, which is important thing for new college students to do, as this will likely be their first time alone making food choices independently. Eating Animals provides useful data about where food comes from. The insight can help considerably in making healthy and sustainable food choices.
Blogs, Blogs, and More Blogs
If you’ve chosen your major, get online today and start looking for blogs related to it. Not tomorrow, not next week, but today. You’ll have a huge advantage over others if you’re already familiar with the most important people in your field. Plus you’ll get acquainted with the style and language of relevant bloggers. It can also impress your professors if you can hold a conversation about the latest news.
For example, if you are going for an automotive degree, it’s recommended to blogs in the automotive niche. Some suggestions would be Autoblog, Popular Mechanics Blog, and CJ Pony Parts Blog. They’ll often have the most current information and allow you to communicate directly with industry experts. This is perfect for the auto industry because things change at such a rapid pace.
In addition to the examples above, there is a vast array of useful reading options for incoming college students to prepare themselves. It’s also recommended to embrace your intended major by studying its niche via relevant books. Take advantage of the free time during the summer by getting ahead on reading and it will pay off when it’s time for college.
