‘From
F to Phi Beta’ mostly helpful for
first-time freshmen
Book
review
By
David Whisler
Daily Forty-Niner
Staff Writer
Chapter three of Lance Ong’s new book “From F to Phi Beta Kappa:
Supercharge Your Study Skills” is titled “Work Hard and Wisely,” and
contains the subhead “Know When to Put Fun on Hold.” Clearly, I
need to brush up on these lessons as I sit on Venice Beach and write this review.
As each new semester approaches, I take a moment to tell myself I am going
to do better; I’m really going to apply myself this time and not just
squeak by with a B, then by the second week I realize it’s far too much
work and just resign myself to a 3.0 GPA.
If you’re like me, and you’re relatively happy in the middle, then
Ong’s book probably isn’t for you. If not, read on.
Aside from the details of Ong’s own experience as a high-school student
who earned mostly Cs, his rude awakening when he earned three Fs in college
and how he went on to clean up his act and graduate Phi Beta Kappa from San
Francisco State, the book is basically a formulaic study skills text.
It features all the classic ways to improve your study skills, from proper
note taking and highlighting, to taking a trip to the bookstore and previewing
the books for each class before signing up.
Ong also suggests such standbys as sitting in the front of the class and reading
the syllabus thoroughly.
The book could prove helpful for a first-time freshman, but for the most part
it is stuff that a college student already knows. Whether they employ it or
not is another story.
The book is straightforward and easy to follow, and it offers some practical
information about scheduling and time management as well as advice about talking
to professors when you are in a bind; but when most colleges and universities
offer free academic counseling and even tutoring, I can’t really recommend
shelling out $16.95 for it.
Textbooks are expensive enough, save your money and take this advice, go to
class, pay attention and study hard. |
