Beat the Middle: The Middle School Student's Guide to Academic Success by Blake Nemelka, Bo Nemelka (2014) Paperback

Beat the Middle is based on the idea that actively pursuing higher education, which traditionally begins as a high school senior, should begin as early as middle school, and requires accountability to parents/mentors over time.

Most students desire to succeed in middle school; however, they may not have the right guidance and may stop trying when they reach high school. They get stuck in the middle!

This book outlines 12 factors of academic success that students and their parents/mentors can learn and apply together in an effort to beat the middle, including: Goals and Mentors, Time Management, GPA, College Entrance Exams, Extra- and Co-Curricular Activities, The Application Process...and much more!

Blake and Bo grew up in Utah where they graduated from South Hills Middle School and Riverton High School. They continued their education together at Utah State University where they were selected to be student ambassadors and played for the university tennis team. The brothers each took a two-year hiatus in their education to serve as missionaries for their faith. Blake served in Lima, Peru, and Bo served in Merida, Mexico.

Upon their return, Blake and Bo continued their education at Utah State University while interning for the late Dr. Stephen R. Covey. They were both selected as Huntsman Scholars and graduated with honors from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. Blake later attended Vanderbilt University where he graduated with his master's degree in education administration, and Bo attended Yale University where he graduated with his master's degree in healthcare management. Blake and Bo are each happily married with young children and continue their love for education in their personal and professional lives.