Customer Reviews

College Life 102: The No-Bull Guide to a Great Freshman Year

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I gave this book to my son the week before he started college. The advice in it helped him earn a 3.8 grade point average his first quarter. The social and medical advice is priceless.
The wisdom contained in the book should be imprinted in every freshman's memory. I also appreciate the doctor's authoritative and practical advice on health.

As a recent graduate of the University of Washington Seattle, I wish I had had Dr. Kadar's book on my shelf as a reference my freshman year. He offers indispensable information, advice, and techniques with which to make your college years both productive and enjoyable. Written in a straightforward voice with wit, intelligence, and charm this is a fun read for all college-bound students, no matter the degree level.

This book is clever, entertaining, and an overall informative read that every college freshman should relish. Dr. Kadar arms one with the knowledge in order to make educated decisions during the first year and beyond. The invaluable advice contained in this book will propel one to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Upon reading this book one will be at a significant advantage upon entering freshman year!

Full disclosure: I am a friend of the author. HOWEVER... we often have rather heated political discussions.

I was surprised that the book not only gives the sort of advice I (as a college teacher) would want people to know.... the sort of "common sense" that is not very common (such as making efforts at the beginning of the class rather than at the end), but goes further and discusses the sorts of temptations students will run into in their dormitories, such as binge drinking, sex, etc.

Andrew doesn't make value judgments about those who indulge... rather, he gives clear explanations on what is likely to go wrong, so that the student can be forearmed. My college age son now has two copies of this book...

This book is an excellent, comprehensive, and clearly written resource for anyone thinking of college. Dr. Kadar covers a broad variety of topics that are essential, even life-saving for incoming freshmen. From how to manage stress, critical information about drugs and sexual behavior, and just having a good time while maximizing the potential for a successful first year, it is definitely a useful, easy read.

Extremely well written book filled with priceless advice. I recommend it to all college students. Dr. Kadar presents many useful ideas in a manner that is fun to read and easy to understand. The relevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter is a light-hearted way to introduce more serious topics. The points to remember at the end of each chapter assist the reader in recalling the most important information that each chapter presents.

This is one of the best advice books that I have ever read. All college students should read College Life 102 before their Freshman year

I am a longtime friend of Dr. Kadar and a math teacher at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles.
I enjoyed the book immensely primarily because of its readability. Dr. Kadar has a real gift for communicating about topics on which others frequently just lecture . His candid, lucid style make this work approachable for his target audience: high school seniors, many of whom abhor reading anything. I can't think of anyone who would not benefit from the wit and wisdom contained in this book. The straightforward, yet whimsical approach to academics, campus social life, the trials and joys of this coming of age period--make this tome a pleasure to recommend to all.

In search of a gift for my niece as she heads off to the University of Chicago - trunk and back seat bulging over with student gear, I pick up Dr. Kadar's College Life 102, and find myself turning page after page.

Sometimes, common-sense and practical advice put to paper from a neutral, credible source carries more weight than when coming from mom and dad, especially when coupled with research and a few well-chosen statistics. Dr. Kadar, who writes in a crisp and engaging style, is clearly heartfelt in wanting the best for his readers. This shines through in his tips on tactics (such as how to gain late admission to a class proclaimed "full" by the Registrar); the care taken when providing medically-informed advice and facts about drugs, alcohol, body piercings and contraception; or when noting the value of looking for the positives in your environment.

Overall, the book would have given me extra self-confidence and enhanced my enjoyment of college years by encouraging good habits and attitudes early on. At a time when the future can be daunting for even the most well-adjusted teenager, College Life 102 makes a terrific late addition to any freshman's suitcase or bookshelf.

Dr. Kadar has a good writing style. He gives good information. However, he seems a little "old" to be writing a book for a college freshman. Shouldn't a book like this, be written by someone with a recent college experience. It is hard to find fault with most of his advice. However, if you want to give someone a full taste of college, you'll need to balance it with a book written from a student's point of view. Remember, students often see things differently than faculty. When I was an undergrad, I saw the school's bureaucracy as the enemy. I'd recommend accompanying this book with something like College 101: The Book Your College Does Not Want You to Read

Yet another student life book written by an old man out of touch with the reality of the contemporary college experience. I mean come on, who are these grey-haired authors kidding? Are we really to expect anything more than superficial advice from someone who graduated from college twenty-five years ago? Sure, some things never change. But there are many things that have changed over the years, and unless you lived it, you can't accurately explain it to people. If you want to read a book that offers more than generic student advice, then read Goat: A Memoir or COLLEGE LIFE EXTREME: Lies, Sex, Drugs and Violence. Both these books are memoirs from students who attended big party schools and have crazy-true stories to share.