It seems like just yesterday you were devouring SAT and ACT prep books. Now that you’re done with those less-than-stellar exams (whew), it’s time to trade in those pre-collegiette books for new ones. And we’re not talking about textbooks (well, not yet at least). Believe it or not, there are many college prep books that will make your transition to college much easier. Instead of roaming around your local bookstore or aimlessly flipping through your tablet’s selection, check out our top picks for pre-collegiette reads.
1. How to Survive Your Freshman Year (Hundreds of Heads Survival Guides) by Mark Bernstein and Yadin Kauffman ($16)Sure, college has a ton of perks: new friends, crazy experiences, a surge of independence… need we say more? But don’t be fooled, almost collegiettes — heading to school can be nerve-wracking. Declaring a major? Maintaining a decent GPA? The freshman fifteen? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a book guiding you through these times? Well now, you do! Though you’ll learn a ton through experience, reading a freshman guide doesn’t hurt. “I’d say its value lies in its sources; it is comprised of input from college students and recent graduates, on every subject from moving in to choosing your major,” says Sarah Kahwash, a junior at Kenyon College and HC Contributing Writer. You’ll be thankful to have some advice at your disposal when you’re choosing classes!
2. U Chic: The College Girl’s Guide to Everything by Christie Garton ($15)
Confession time: don’t you secretly wish there was a college prep book strictly for girls? You don’t have to worry about pledging a fraternity and “bro-ing out” in college, so why read about it? Thanks to Christie Garton, your wish has been granted. From finding love on your campus to the dangers of over-partying, U Chic is your all-access pass to everything a pre-collegiette should know before heading off to school. Garton even has a chapter called “For the Future Madam President.” If that alone isn’t enough of an incentive to buy this book, we don’t know what is!
3. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harian Cohen ($15)
Whether it’s a typical case of homesickness or you’re feuding with your roommate, college comes with its own set of problems. Thankfully, Harian Cohen takes these classic issues and addresses them with loads of wit. From moving in to moving out, Cohen gives pre-collegiettes a comical, behind-the-scenes look at college. Once you read this prep book, you’ll feel as if you’ve already been to college (without the experiences, pictures, and collegiette swag to prove it). Let’s just hope you never encounter a naked roommate—fingers crossed!
