What Professors Wish Students Knew: Things Parents and Students Should Know Before Attending College

Most students arrive on campus without a map.

They know how to study for a test — but not how to choose the right college, talk to a professor, build a professional network, or turn a degree into a career. Nobody taught them how college actually works. Until now.

The Insider's Guide to College Success

Written by a professor who spent more than 23 years in higher education — first as a student navigating every level of the system, then as a professor who watched thousands of students struggle with the same avoidable mistakes — What Professors Wish Students Knew gives students and parents the honest, practical guidance that most college guides skip entirely.

Inside, you'll learn how to:

Choose the right college for your learning style, goals, and budget — including what to look for that rankings never tell you
Build real relationships with professors who can write recommendations, open doors, and change your trajectory
Study smarter, earn better grades, and recover when things go wrong
Land internships, build a professional network, and use LinkedIn to open doors before graduation
Protect your mental health, manage your time, and thrive outside the classroom
Prepare for life after graduation — whether that means a first job or graduate school
Understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping college and the workforce — and what skills you need to stay ahead
Navigate today's rapidly shifting campus landscape, including federal policy changes, rising costs, and your rights as a student
 

Real stories. Current research. Advice that actually works.</h2>

This isn't a generic guide full of obvious tips. Every chapter draws on real classroom experience, current research, and the kind of frank insider advice you'd only get from a professor who genuinely wants to see you succeed. The author is a multiple teaching-award winner who still mentors students today as an internship supervisor — and it shows on every page.

Whether you're a high school student thinking about college, a parent trying to help your teen make smart decisions, or a first-generation college student figuring it all out on your own — this book gives you the map you were never handed.

College is one of the best investments you can make. This book makes sure it pays off.