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.
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.
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