Kirkus Reviews

"A worthy, wise, and clearheaded guide for anyone considering higher education."

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IndieReader

"An engaging, insightful, and surprisingly entertaining guidebook that demystifies the college experience while making a compelling case for the enduring value of higher education."

 

BookView Review

An enlightening and introspective resource that not only dispels myths about higher education but also celebrates its profound impact on individuals' lives. Refreshingly original and thought-provoking.

 

Prairie Book Review

From practical tips on navigating the college experience to inspiring real-life stories, this guide offers a fresh perspective on unleashing one's full potential through academia and beyond…A must-have for anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their college experience and thrive both academically and personally.

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Reader’s Choice Book Award

With lots of humor, and plenty of practical hints and tips, the book will appeal to high school students, as well as parents and carers of young people considering their options. Overall, this is a thorough and comprehensive guidebook, and a useful resource for aspiring college students…

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The US Review of Books

What makes this book engaging is that it is written in an easily understandable manner. It includes diagrams, charts, and illustrations that make the information accessible and fun to engage with. The book is also clearly researched, establishing it as one of the most extensive guides to college currently in publication. Most of all, this book encourages individuals to ask questions and remain up to date about the latest information regarding college and employment trends, and it advocates for student involvement and self-care. This resource is a great tool for families, individuals, high school counselors, career counselors, and college advisors. It could also serve as a classroom resource for high school teachers who are engaged with their students’ future plans.

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Foreword Clarion Reviews

Arguing that pursuing a traditional higher education is a civic responsibility, the bold education manual College You speaks to college-bound students with convincing aplomb...College You is a comprehensive education resource drawing on their expertise as seasoned educators.

Students gunning for a quick diploma and anxious about career prospects and ballooning costs are encouraged to consider long-term consequences of not seeking a higher education and to embrace the uncomfortable, thrilling process of intellectual growth...

Cartoon interlocutors representing the student perspective appear in the margins of each chapter, delivering pert asides and fair questions to break up the manual’s often serious tone. At the close of each chapter, these cartoon characters reappear for more extensive question-and-answer sessions to address a vast range of possible student anxieties..

 

Author C.R. Hurst for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review):

The authors, Chiara Bacigalupa et al., experienced college professors themselves, do a wonderful job of anticipating what concerns such students might have about not only the decision to attend college but also addressing some of the common misconceptions about what a college education actually involves…If you are looking for a comprehensive and accessible guide to pursuing a college education, look no further than College You.

 

Author Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review):

Dr. Chiara Bacigalupa's conversational approach easily relates information that may be overlooked in a more technical book…I wish this material had been available to me at any point in my journey through my undergraduate degree. Readers who hope to be successful in college and the workforce will benefit from reading College You.

 

Author K.C.Finn for Reader’s Favorite (5-Star Review):

I loved the fact that the well-formatted work also featured cartoon characters representing students and discussions between characters and authors, which made the book eye-catching, but also added to the informative and entertaining tone…Overall, College You offers a roadmap for students to make the most out of their college experience, and I’d certainly recommend it as an empowering read.

 

Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review):

College You is a well-written, detailed book that serves as a valuable resource for a diverse range of audiences...The book covers often-overlooked topics like cheating, how to write and understand the material, critical thinking, and more modern technology like the role of AI and advanced writing tools...Overall, College You is a good read...

 

Foluso Falaye for Reader’s Favorite (5-Star Review):

.College You presents engaging, actionable tips for unlocking the many amazing opportunities that colleges offer.

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COMPLETE REVIEWS 

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Kirkus Reviews

A comprehensive guide to making the most out of the college experience.

 

Chiara Bacigalupa, Shelly Albaum, Antonia Bacigalupa Albaum, and Gianna Albaum collectively bring to this project over 60 years of combined experience in higher education, make their position clear in the introduction: “We believe that almost everyone can benefit from a college education...But only if you know how to go to college.” The book begins by straightforwardly tackling the question: Why to go to college? The authors question the wisdom of this widely accepted educational move. But the authors also argue that going to college can boost your self-esteem and lead to a longer, emotionally richer life. What follows is detailed advice for the prospective student (or perhaps their parents) on how to select the right college: “Employers themselves have stated very clearly the skills they are looking for: teamwork, communication, resilience, empathy, self-awareness...You can pick up the key skills in any major, and you’re more likely to pick them up if you are excited about what you are studying.” From this big-picture perspective, the authors then narrow their focus to practical advice on topics like attending online classes and attendance-optional courses, dealing with homesickness, and how to successfully interact with other students and faculty members. They also teach readers how to handle the expected workload of college courses, set priorities, and avoid over-programming. To keep things lively, digitally animated characters give playful running commentary in the margins (e.g., a wizened owl giving tips and guiding prospective students). These characters take on distinctive personalities over the course of the book and help differentiate this book from similar guides. Each chapter ends with a few key takeaways (e.g., “Meet deadlines, even when they seem arbitrary”). While some of the more general later sections—with topics on how to read, think, write, and learn—are not necessarily specific to the needs of prospective university students, their inclusion could prove beneficial for any collegiate reader. For those interested in further reading on the topic, there is also a useful suggested reading list included at the end.

 

A worthy, wise, and clearheaded guide for anyone considering higher education.

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IndieReader (IR Recommended, 5 stars)​

 

An engaging, insightful, and surprisingly entertaining guidebook that demystifies the college experience while making a compelling case for the enduring value of higher education.

 

With COLLEGE YOU: Get Much More out of College, authors Chiara Bacigalupa, PhD, Shelly Albaum, JD, Antonia Bacigalupa Albaum, MS, and Gianna Albaum, PhD deliver a comprehensive and refreshingly candid look at how to maximize the college experience. This collaborative effort blends practical advice, academic insights, and personal anecdotes to create an invaluable resource for both prospective and current college students.

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COLLEGE YOU opens with a clear mission statement: emphasizing that college is about far more than just obtaining a degree or landing a high-paying job: “A good college education will not only make you wealthier, but will also improve your life in non-financial ways. You could live a longer, happier, more meaningful life. And your Bachelor’s degree will help those around you, too, including your friends, family, and community.”

 

The bulk of COLLEGE YOU is divided into six main parts, covering everything from the fundamental reasons for pursuing higher education to the nitty-gritty of choosing classes and managing academic workloads. The chapters focus on topics ranging from philosophical (Why Do Colleges Exist?) to pragmatic (How to Manage Priorities). For all the reference-quality information, the book manages to maintain a conversational (and often humorous) tone, with cartoonish animals offering commentary and questions that mirror common student concerns.

 

COLLEGE YOU doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges and potential pitfalls of the college experience. The authors offer frank discussions on topics like homesickness, academic burnout, and the dangers of excessive partying. Their advice on these subjects is both practical and empathetic, acknowledging the real struggles students face while offering actionable strategies for overcoming them, such as “Don’t panic. The key is to actually get the help. Because they know that many, many students need it, your college is ready for you.”

 

The authors also make a compelling case for the general value of a broad, liberal arts education, arguing that the skills developed through diverse coursework are precisely what employers seek and what society needs. They aren’t afraid to tackle controversial topics head-on, offering nuanced takes on issues like grade inflation, the role of AI in education, and the true purpose of general education requirements. While the wealth of information presented can be overwhelming at times, the book’s structure and frequent use of summaries help keep readers oriented.

 

The authors’ passion for education is evident on every page, and their insider perspective lends credibility to their advice. Passages like “College is training you to understand unfamiliar things on their own terms. It is an important capability” encapsulate the book’s emphasis on personal growth and intellectual development. The addition of student testimonials and real-world examples add depth and relatability to the authors’ advice, helping readers connect abstract concepts to concrete experiences. There are also extensive Appendices, covering everything from common majors to important general skills.

 

COLLEGE YOU is primarily aimed at traditional college-age students, but non-traditional students, parents of college-bound teens, and even educators will find much to appreciate in its pages. The book’s emphasis on lifelong learning and the enduring value of a college education makes it relevant far beyond the typical four-year undergraduate journey.

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Packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice, COLLEGE YOU: Get Much More Out of College is an essential guide for anyone looking to make the most of their higher education experience. Written by Chiara Bacigalupa, Shelly Albaum, Antonia Bacigalupa Albaum, and Gianna Albaum, it challenges readers to think deeply about the purpose and potential of higher education.

 

~James Weiskittel for IndieReader

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BookView Review (Recommended Review award)

With their diverse backgrounds and extensive academic experience, Chiara Bacigalupa, Shelly Albaum, Antonia Bacigalupa Albaum, and Gianna Albaum offer practical advice, thought-provoking insights, and a holistic outlook on navigating the college experience in their powerful book. While recognizing the monetary benefits, the authors go beyond mere economic considerations to explore the personal growth, social mobility, creativity, and civic engagement that can result from a college experience. By dismantling myths and highlighting these broader benefits, they inspire readers to see college as a platform for self-discovery and social impact. The book champions inclusivity and accessibility, advocating for a more equitable vision of learning that empowers individuals from every walk of life to pursue their goals. 

 

The practical advice offered on topics such as selecting one’s major, effective studying habits, faculty interaction, understanding academic integrity, learning beyond the classroom through internships and research projects, managing priorities, and time management adds a pragmatic dimension to its overarching message of maximizing the college experience. Through real-world examples, student testimonials, and vivid illustrations, the authors create a dynamic and relatable guide that directly addresses the concerns and aspirations of college students at every stage of their academic journey.  The book also encourages students to think creatively and pursue paths that align with their interests and values beyond traditional careers (entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, creative fields, public service among others). An enlightening and introspective resource that not only dispels myths about higher education but also celebrates its profound impact on individuals' lives. Refreshingly original and thought-provoking.

 

Prairie Book Review 

Contemplative, fluid, and relevant…Authors Chiara Bacigalupa, Shelly Albaum, Antonia Bacigalupa Albaum, and Gianna Albaum take a bold stance on the power of higher education in their thought-provoking guide. Through personal anecdotes and extensive expertise in academia, the authors challenge readers to view college as more than just a means to financial gain. They highlight college as a transformative experience fostering self-discovery, critical thinking, and creativity, while also serving as a pathway to economic and social opportunities. Additionally, college nurtures civic engagement, helps individuals discover their passions and career paths, and equips students with essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. From practical tips on navigating the college experience to inspiring real-life stories, this guide offers a fresh perspective on unleashing one's full potential through academia and beyond. With inclusivity at its core, the book advocates for making higher learning accessible to all individuals, regardless of background. Anna Moisieieva’s vivid illustrations beautifully compliment the narrative. A must-have for anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their college experience and thrive both academically and personally.