Campus Confidential - The Complete Guide to the College Experience By Students for Students Review

While visiting the University of Florida, I noticed a book called "College Confidential." It was billed as a "complete guide" and also as "by students for students." After flipping through the book, I decided it was definately worth the investment.

My son is in the process of selecting a college and then heading out next summer. This is a pretty big deal as all students and parents know. There are just so many questions. I teach at a college, and I'm still scrambling to find answers and make sure all the bases are covered.

"Campus Confidential" begins with selecting colleges and going through the application process. There are sections about the SAT of course and information about paying for higher education. There are even charts to fill out that will help make the selection process easier. It includes items to consider that students and parents often forget to factor in. For example, potential students can consider the mean grade/grade inflation at a given college or the number of female or minority instructors.

One chapter covers the eleven things to do right after you arrive on campus. One example here is to select a local bank and set up a checking account. It really is hard to bank from a distance, and many banks in college towns offer free checking for students.

There's information about dealing with roommates which can be pretty tough in some cases. The mentors (college students profiled in the front of the book) discuss fraternities and sororities. There's even a short section on "coming out" in college. It's hard to think of anything major that isn't covered.

The first section of the book is the most detailed. That's about getting into and going off to college. But, the book also includes chapters for each year of college and some ideas for summer.

The only thing that I think needs to be covered in more detail is internships. Those are really critical. I encourage all my students to do at least one.

I think this book would be an excellent gift for a junior or senior in high school. It would be helpful for a student in college, but the bulk of the book is designed for those just getting ready to start the journey.