Tips for BuyingTextbooks

Having your textbook when you attend the first day of class is critical. I know that books are expensive but, you cannot be a successful student without the necessary tools that I wrote about yesterday. You'll be behind before you even start.

Having your very own copy of the class text is the most efficient way to go. Here are some tips for you to consider:

1. There are two sites where you can purchase books very reasonably.
www.Bigwords.com
www.SchoolSoup.com
It takes about a week to ten days to receive your books but, even with postage,
which is about $3.99, you will still save a bundle. While you are waiting for
your books, you can use a copy that the library has on reserve. You can't
check it out but, you can use it for two hours. (The COD Library has a copy of
every textbook which is being used at the college.)

Both of these sites will buy back your books.

2. Rental books are now available. Try Chegg.com and also check with the COD
(Follett Bookstore).

3. If you are working toward a vocational degree, check out New Horizons for books
that you can borrow.

4. Buy USED books whenever they are available.

5. Sell your books back. Even though you get a fraction of what you paid, the
money can be used for books for the next semester. Furthermore, it is unlikely
that you will ever look at them again once you finish the class and they will
take up valuable shelf or counter space.

6. Share a book with a trusted friend who is taking the same class. This does
restrict your study time so organization and time management are important for
you to have the book available when you need it.

7. If you have a portfolio or workbook that is required for the class, sharing
just won't work. YOU NEED YOUR OWN COPY. (An example is the portfolio for the
Scholarship Class.) Your grade is based on the portfolio but, more
importantly,it should be a work in progress which you will use through graduate
school.

8. If you are having financial difficulties, talk to your instructor to check out
options.

9. Bottom line. If you are serious about being a successful student and having a
satisfying future career, you need to think of purchasing your textbooks as an
investment. They are a very essential component of your education.

10. If you need money, have you checked out the following?
FAFSA
BOG Waiver
EOPS/CARE
Scholarship Class (STDV 011)--there are two sections offered each semester
Scholarship and Money Workshops--sign up in the Career/Transfer Center
Discuss your concerns with your counselor for other options

Are you ready for your classes?

Whether you are sewing a dress or repairing a car, you need the necessary tools and supplies to complete the job successfully. It only stands to reason that in order to be a successful student you need the minimum of a pen and paper when you go to class. Taking notes in class is vital to your survival. Ideally, your professor will be sharing information that is not in your textbook or, at the very least, enchancing what you have read in the book.

The following are the "tools" that you need as a student:
Pencil case
Pens/Pencils (#2 for taking scantron tests)
Eraser
Pad of college ruled paper with three holes.
Three ring binder for each class.
Stapler/extra staples
Single hole paper punch
Ruler
Rubber bands
Paper clips (several sizes)
Post-its
Glue for special projects
Tape
Calculator
Highlighters (assorted colors)
Index cards--get in the habit of making flash cards
Computer
Inexpensive small recorder

And, the "BIGGY"--your textbooks. Yes, they are expensive but, if you have signed up for classes, you know that you will need to buy books. I'll go into more detail on buying books tomorrow but, you must have your books on the first day of class. Believe me, this is VERY IMPORTANT!!

Some Tips for Being a Successful Student

I usually tell my students on the first day of class that everyone has an "A" but, it is their responsibility to keep it. So, how do you accomplish that? Well, for starters:
1. Get to class on time.
2. Go prepared with a pen and paper (college rule with a hard back and three holes).
3. Sit in the front row center.
4. Listen actively.
5. Take notes.
6. Ask questions if you don't understand.
7. Stay focused on the topic.
8. Be courteous to your professor and classmates by being quiet.
9. Stay engaged until the class is dismissed.
10.As soon after class as possible,review your notes.
11.File your notes in a three ring binder. It helps to have a binder for each class.
12.Review your notes several times before the next class.
13.Determine how much time you need to complete any homework assignment.
14.Divide the assignment into manageable components.
15.When reading the textbooks, take notes.
16.Turn assignments in on time.
17.Keep a positive attitude.

Log in tomorrow for more tips.

A New Semester

Today is the first day of the new semester--a new beginning. I have always loved fresh starts and my hope for you is that you will commit to your education and take the opportunity to give learning everything you have got.

I will be posting daily (except for weekends) and acting as your educational coach and giving you tips for finding money for college. Money should not get in the way of your dream of earning a college degree. There are millions of scholarship dollars available to you but, you need to learn the system of searching and applying for scholarships.

It is time to take your education seriously--it will pay off in the future.