From time to time, we like to review some of the books available for parents of college students. There is a wealth of literature available to help parents cope with the transition to college and the changes that occur throughout the college years. We’ve offered some lists of recommended reading, and there is something for everyone. Visit our Resources page for suggestions of important books for college parents and their students.
College Secrets of Highly Successful People is an excellent book for both students and their parents to read. It is ideal for students about to head to college, but is also valuable for those who are already there. It’s never too late to begin to put into place some of the lessons the book teaches.
There many books available to students about how to be successful, but one of the things we like about this book is that it begins by defining success — and we love that it isn’t all about financial success. Before the authors begin to tell students how to be successful, they help students think about what that means. Having the goal up front helps students begin their journey with intentionality — another important term the authors define.
The book also begins with a story — about a squirrel — (no spoiler here, you’ll need to read it for yourself) that provides a metaphor throughout the book. It pulls you in, and makes perfect sense right from the start.
Like the squirrel story, it is the stories that make this book compelling. There are important and valuable lessons being taught, but they are woven throughout the stories about famous and not-so-famous people. And the authors often craftily tell the story before revealing who the celebrity, or politician, or CEO is. Whether the story is about Denzel Washington, Thurgood Marshall, Steve Jobs, or Kate Middleton, students reading this book can identify with the college student in the story before they find out their name. The surprise is fun.
The lessons taught throughout College Secrets are important and carefully summarized in the final chapter. The student who can adopt even a few of these will surely be more successful than they would have otherwise.
Other small features of the book that are nice: a discussion guide (book club anyone?), a list of colleges attended by those mentioned in the book, and references and resources for those who’d like to follow up.
We recommend College Secrets of Highly Successful People for students about to head to college, those in college, or those who are taking a different path. Everyone can not only benefit from the book, but will enjoy reading it.
About the authors
Lindy Schneider has helped thousands of college students through some of the toughest decisions of their lives as a college advisor for over 15 years. She and her husband Tom L. Schneider are the co-creators of College Superhero Secrets, an online program that gives students the tools to establish great relationships and launch their careers while still in college.
Lindy has been a featured guest on several national networks, and has been quoted in U.S. News & World Report, INC., Atlanta Business Journal, Huffington Post, USA Today Magazine and many other outlets. She is a contributing author to ten books in the NY Times best-selling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Tom L. Schneider is the creator of an innovative public school model that the U.S. Department of Education called, ”the future of education in America.” He has worked with thousands of high school seniors and college students helping them to discover and capitalize on their skills and talents.
As a successful business person, Tom has won national awards for client retention and generated multi-millions of dollars in sales. He is the co-author of four books, one of which is an Amazon best-seller.
What the authors have to say about the book
”Whether you are a college bound student, or you love one, this book will give you the keys to open the door to a successful life. You are about to peek inside the personal lives of famous celebrities, CEOs, billionaires and former presidents to discover what they did while in college that launched their careers. We will also introduce you to other highly successful people whose names you won’t recognize and tell you what they did as well.
People often ask Tom and me how we chose the people to showcase in this book. The world is filled with successful people for you to admire, but we looked for people who did things while enrolled in college that you could imitate.
I can’t tell you how many times adults have said to Tom and me, ”I wish I had known about this while I was in college.” By reading this book you will know!
In College Secrets of Highly Successful People you will learn powerful secrets that you can use to catapult your own success. It is written especially for those who are in college, or soon to enter college, so that you will not miss out on the opportunities that are unique to the college experience. These secrets, however, have helped many people who have already graduated from college and even those who never intend to enroll. The one common denominator is that these secrets will only work for the person who is intentional about drawing success to their door.
We cannot guarantee you the life of your dreams. There will always be unforeseen circumstances that can cause you to make changes, but the secrets you learn here can help you overcome them and still find the happiness and satisfaction in your life you desire.”
What others have to say about the book
”You can hope for success or seize it by following what other successful people have done. College Secrets is a must read if you want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of a college education.”
Heidi Ganahl, University of Colorado Regent
“College Secrets of Highly Successful People should be required reading for all students. This book provides thought-provoking insight and encourages personal evaluation. As my son dives into his college career, I’m thankful he’ll have this tool available to him as a guide.”
Pam Ortiz, parent of college student
”So much time and money are spent getting into college but success after college is not assured by simply getting a degree. College Secrets of Highly Successful People reveals the secrets that celebrities, CEOs, billionaires, and even presidents used to launch their careers. Read this book to learn exactly what a student needs to know to find success in their own life and career and deliver the necessary return on investment for today’s increasingly expensive college education.”
Beth V. Walker, author of Never Pay Retail for College
”I intended to skim this book before giving it to my grandson who is about to start college. However, I kept stopping to read one fascinating vignette after another. Each story clearly supports the point of the chapter and as a concerned grandmother, I found each point an important one for success. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to make sense of what it really takes to have a successful life.”
Laurie Weiss, author
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