Looking to jumpstart your GPA? Most college students believe that straight A’s can be achieved only through cramming and painful all-nighters at the library. But Cal Newport knows that real straight-A students don’t study harder—they study smarter. A breakthrough approach to acing academic assignments, from quizzes and exams to essays and papers, How to Become a Straight-A Student reveals for the first time the proven study secrets of real straight-A students across the country and weaves them into a simple, practical system that anyone can master. You will learn how to:
Streamline and maximize your study time
Conquer procrastination
Absorb the material quickly and effectively
Know which reading assignments are critical—and which are not
Target the paper topics that wow professors
Provide A+ answers on exams
Write stellar prose without the agony
A strategic blueprint for success that promises more free time, more fun, and top-tier results, How to Become a Straight-A Student is the only study guide written by students for students—with the insider knowledge and real-world methods to help you master the college system and rise to the top of the class.
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Review
“This book delivers on its title 100 Percent. I wish I'd had a copy when I was in college—I would have had a better GPA and a better social life!”—Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of My Reality Check Bounced!
“A smart, concise, fun, and above all informative guide on how to ace college by being smarter about how to work . . . This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to do well at college and enjoy it too.” —M. Cecilia Gaposchkin, Assistant Dean of Faculty for PreMajor Advising, Dartmouth College
“A smart, concise, fun, and above all informative guide on how to ace college by being smarter about how to work . . . This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to do well at college and enjoy it too.” —M. Cecilia Gaposchkin, Assistant Dean of Faculty for PreMajor Advising, Dartmouth College
About the Author
Cal Newport graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth in 2004, where, using the strategies outlined in this book, he earned thirty-six straight A’s in a row. Also the author of How to Win at College, he is studying for his Ph.D. in computer science at MIT.
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More About the Author
Cal Newport is a writer and a professor of computer science at Georgetown University. He is the author of four books and runs the popular advice blog, Study Hacks, which attempts to decode "patterns of success" in both school and the working world. His contrarian ideas on building a successful, meaningful life have been featured on TV, radio, and in many major publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and New York Post.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
206 of 221 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book really got me excited about my second semester of college. Immediately before reading this, I had just finished reading and learning the method in Adam Robinson's "What Smart Students Know" - which Newport bashes rigorously in his introduction. I too was under the impression that Robinson expected too much of the typical college student, and Newport's book was totally the relief I was looking for.
What I loved about "Straight-A Student" was that it provided a great framework for understanding the system that you have to work within. The time and focus management, and organizational part have helped tremendously. It also separated out the difference between technical and non-technical courses and the methods by which you should approach them. Even the writing portion makes sense. My total approach to college and classes has been simplified by these things.
So why only three stars? Well, in my literature class I applied all the "big idea" methods and did great in all my discussions and essays. I couldn't believe how easy it all was. Then I took my first exam. It was hard for me let go of my usual "grind" ways and trust the process, so I decided to study half Newport's way and include half Robinson's way (which requires a lot less time than the author suggests). You couldn't imagine my dismay when I open the exam only to find that the questions were requesting very technical details of the reading material I demoted because neither the teacher nor students ever referred to them at all.
On the half of the questions that applied to the material I studied using Robinson's method, however, I didn't even have to think. I knew the answers and was able to answer easily. The problem is that getting half of an exam correct results in a failing grade - the first one lower than an "A" I received since I began school.
I really wanted to trust that this book would be the answer to my long study hours, and in truth, it has helped a great deal. My only inclination that something might not be quite right was in the introduction. Newport insists his method is superior to other popular authors. Usually I take this attitude to indicate that something is missing - and now I remember why. This book, in combination with Robinson's, will save you tons of time, increase your focus, and improve your grades. Just don't totally trust it as the only solution - there is no such thing.
What I loved about "Straight-A Student" was that it provided a great framework for understanding the system that you have to work within. The time and focus management, and organizational part have helped tremendously. It also separated out the difference between technical and non-technical courses and the methods by which you should approach them. Even the writing portion makes sense. My total approach to college and classes has been simplified by these things.
So why only three stars? Well, in my literature class I applied all the "big idea" methods and did great in all my discussions and essays. I couldn't believe how easy it all was. Then I took my first exam. It was hard for me let go of my usual "grind" ways and trust the process, so I decided to study half Newport's way and include half Robinson's way (which requires a lot less time than the author suggests). You couldn't imagine my dismay when I open the exam only to find that the questions were requesting very technical details of the reading material I demoted because neither the teacher nor students ever referred to them at all.
On the half of the questions that applied to the material I studied using Robinson's method, however, I didn't even have to think. I knew the answers and was able to answer easily. The problem is that getting half of an exam correct results in a failing grade - the first one lower than an "A" I received since I began school.
I really wanted to trust that this book would be the answer to my long study hours, and in truth, it has helped a great deal. My only inclination that something might not be quite right was in the introduction. Newport insists his method is superior to other popular authors. Usually I take this attitude to indicate that something is missing - and now I remember why. This book, in combination with Robinson's, will save you tons of time, increase your focus, and improve your grades. Just don't totally trust it as the only solution - there is no such thing.
167 of 179 people found the following review helpful
By JT
Format:Paperback
I'm currently a student at Tufts University, and before reading this book I was a real "grinder" when it came to trying to get a good GPA. I really didn't have a stellar social life because, due to my previous study methods, I needed to study for hours on end in order to excel academically. I did well, but not insanely well, and it always felt like I was under a time crunch to finish my work.
But the most frustrating aspect of my early college career was the sacrifices I had to make to my social life to get an above-average GPA. Every time I tried to make time to go out and have fun, my grades suffered.
Enter Cal's book. After reading this book and applying his techniques, I was able to take the hardest course load I ever took (5 science/engineering courses), play rugby, and go out, on average, 3 times a week while pulling off a 3.8 GPA for the semester.
The techniques in this book will vastly improve your quality of life in college. His time management techniques are worth the price of admission alone. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two thumbs up.
But the most frustrating aspect of my early college career was the sacrifices I had to make to my social life to get an above-average GPA. Every time I tried to make time to go out and have fun, my grades suffered.
Enter Cal's book. After reading this book and applying his techniques, I was able to take the hardest course load I ever took (5 science/engineering courses), play rugby, and go out, on average, 3 times a week while pulling off a 3.8 GPA for the semester.
The techniques in this book will vastly improve your quality of life in college. His time management techniques are worth the price of admission alone. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two thumbs up.
69 of 78 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Place to Start, but if you have an Learning Disablity, go deeper
January 6, 2011
By Robert Frost
Format:Paperback
*read the comments below this review for more info if you really need help! :D*
I saw the raving reviews for this book so I bought it. I must say, I rather enjoy it. It gives simple, concise advice. No BSing around. Only the bare minimum of what you need to make straight As. I agree with what everyone has said.
The problem comes when you've got a learning disability. I have reading and ADD. Some of Newport's advice simply will not cut it for me. For example, he talks about how you shouldn't waste time reading the assignment before class. Instead, go to class taking good notes (& of course there is a section explaining his minimalist approach to good notes). This plan of action is disatrious for an ADD student. We struggle to pay attention. We have a tendency to not "move on" to the next topic without an understanding of what we see. We miss the lecture, essentially. For me to NOT do the reading before hand is actually a strategy for failure. Reading material beforehand gives me understanding of the lecture so I can focus, ask questions, etc.
That was just an example of how some methods in this book may not work. So, unfortunately, not all of us can cut as many corners as Cal could... For some of us, we need to take time, but we can be smart about how the time is used.
So i you get this book and find that something is not working for you, don't blame yourself. Find a new strategy and check out other books.
But no matter who you are, if you are beginning your research on the most effective study plan FOR YOU, this book is an awesome place to start. It will give you a good foundation of no-nonsense, modernized concepts that permeate throughout the "how to study" book options.
Currently, I am using more of the "Guaranteed 4.0" system which is more detailed & I feel its effectiveness immediately (whereas Cal Newport's method makes me feel scared it may not work). I'm also reading "What Smart Students Know" since it is a classic. I would not be able to stomach these study techniques if it weren't for getting used to Cal's minimalism.
I saw the raving reviews for this book so I bought it. I must say, I rather enjoy it. It gives simple, concise advice. No BSing around. Only the bare minimum of what you need to make straight As. I agree with what everyone has said.
The problem comes when you've got a learning disability. I have reading and ADD. Some of Newport's advice simply will not cut it for me. For example, he talks about how you shouldn't waste time reading the assignment before class. Instead, go to class taking good notes (& of course there is a section explaining his minimalist approach to good notes). This plan of action is disatrious for an ADD student. We struggle to pay attention. We have a tendency to not "move on" to the next topic without an understanding of what we see. We miss the lecture, essentially. For me to NOT do the reading before hand is actually a strategy for failure. Reading material beforehand gives me understanding of the lecture so I can focus, ask questions, etc.
That was just an example of how some methods in this book may not work. So, unfortunately, not all of us can cut as many corners as Cal could... For some of us, we need to take time, but we can be smart about how the time is used.
So i you get this book and find that something is not working for you, don't blame yourself. Find a new strategy and check out other books.
But no matter who you are, if you are beginning your research on the most effective study plan FOR YOU, this book is an awesome place to start. It will give you a good foundation of no-nonsense, modernized concepts that permeate throughout the "how to study" book options.
Currently, I am using more of the "Guaranteed 4.0" system which is more detailed & I feel its effectiveness immediately (whereas Cal Newport's method makes me feel scared it may not work). I'm also reading "What Smart Students Know" since it is a classic. I would not be able to stomach these study techniques if it weren't for getting used to Cal's minimalism.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Textbook of college success
This book cannot be understated. As a student who had the intelligence, but not the skills to do an extraordinary job at college, this book has pushed me to the next level. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Vincent
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for new students, not so much if you already know get a > 3.0...
This is a very interesting book. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that is having issues with grades. However, if you already do above 3. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Josh Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excelent
Nice book, every student should read it to become better in every aspects, social and educational.
Thanks to all that students who let us know how to be better.
Thanks to all that students who let us know how to be better.
Published 1 month ago by Ivan Cordero
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every student should read this book!
This book was just a divine miracle. Sometimes we students FORGET how to study. This book serves as a reminder and refresher on how to EFFECTIVELY study.
Read it.
Read it.
Published 1 month ago by AG
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great tool! Every student should read!!
I loved this book. It was assigned reading for a class and it offered great advice. I feel that it has helped me to get higher grades in all of my classes. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to get an A
I would say that this book has taught me skills in prioritizing, organizing my homework schedule, how to prepare for doing a college level research paper and do it all in less... Read more
Published 2 months ago by lydiamorgan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievably helpful
I bought this book about halfway into my 2nd trimester of my freshmen year after getting onto academic probation and I can't put into words how helpful this book has been. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kenneth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good
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Published 2 months ago by JD
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful
This book was very practical and straightforward. I'm not sure his strategy to get through selected class reading in 20 minutes is particularly useful in subjects like philosophy... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lindsay Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book!!
I wish I'd had this book when I first started college. I could have saved myself a lot of stress and long nights. The information helped me learn deeply yet efficiently.
Published 3 months ago by Kevin L. Keys
