The Student's Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons: "What to Expect & How to Succeed"

Are you unsure if college is for you? Do you wonder if you are prepared? Do you know when and how you should start saving for college? Are you confused about which college to attend? How do you choose a major which best fits your interests?

In The Student's Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons, author Valarie R. Austin answers these questions. She also shares her knowledge from attending, graduating, and acquiring four college degrees from four different schools. She gives tough practical advice to guide high school, college-bound and current college students about the discipline, skills, and knowledge necessary to successfully graduate on time. The book is a comprehensive study aid and college guide that students will read before college, read while in college, and pass along to friends and family who may attend college later.

After her service in the U.S. Army, Valarie retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a college student, she has earned an associate’s degree, two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree. Valarie, therefore, has unique insights into staying and graduating from college. Through charts, statistics, and easy to follow discussions, Valarie offers a detailed view of the many obstacles facing college students as well as specific action plans to overcome them.

In this book, you will learn how to:

• Determine if a four-year degree is the best path for you and explore alternatives
• Research and select the best college for you
• Start making funding decisions about college costs, saving and student loan debt
• Investigate and choose a major
• Get the most benefit out of your classes, regarding note-taking, studying, and reading
• Use college resources for academic and other assistance
• Maneuver college life outside of the classroom
• Navigate graduation requirements

If you want to graduate from college on time and use your degree in a satisfying career, this book is your roadmap.

In The Student's Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons, author Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Valarie Austin shares her knowledge about college from attending, graduating, and acquiring four college degrees from four different schools. LTC Austin earned her second Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. She also holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Network and Wireless Technologies from Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland. In her distinguished career, LTC Austin also taught leadership and military science as an instructor in the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. From personal experience, she has unique insights into staying and graduating from college. After her career of service in the Armed Forces including a combat tour during the Gulf War, LTC Austin retired with numerous military awards and decorations. She currently resides in Maryland.