The Science of College: Navigating the First Year and Beyond

Abstract

This book aids entering college students—and the people who support college students—in navigating college successfully. In an environment of information overload, where bad advice abounds, this book offers readers practical tips and guidance. The up-to-date recommendations in this book are based upon real students, sound social science research, and the collective experiences of faculty, lecturers, advisors, and student support staff. The central thesis of the book is that the transition to adulthood is a complex process, and college is pivotal to this experience. This book seeks to help young people navigate the college process. The student stories in this book highlight how the challenges that college students can encounter vary in important ways based on demographics and social backgrounds. Despite these varied backgrounds, getting invested in the community is crucial for college success for all students. Universities have many resources available, but students need to learn when to access which resources and how best to engage with people serving students through different roles and with distinct expertise. There is no single template for student success. Yet, this book highlights common issues that many students face and provides science-based advice for how to navigate college. Each chapter is geared toward college students with a focus on the life stage that many entering college students are in: emerging adulthood. In addition to the student-focused chapters, the book includes an appendix for parents and for academics, along with supplemental website materials of instructional activities related to the content of the book.