How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less

I ordered this book on a Friday and less than a week later I received it and read it from cover to cover.It is a very good book, there is no doubt about that. It's a lot slimmer and smaller than I thought it would be but nevertheless, it packs a punch. Newport's style of writing is direct and can easily be devoured in a short space of time.Initially I thought this book was a little too simplistic and didn't go into enough detail on what the students actually did when it came to studying for their exams etc. However on reflection, once you understand the basics of the study methods highlighted, e.g. the question/evidence/conclusion method of note taking or the "quiz and recall" method of actually learning the material, you don't need page after page of detailed explanation on how to physically do these things. A couple of sentences of explanation is plenty.What is more important, as this book highlights, is the preparation, planning, time management and scheduling that Newport adopts throughout, to turn what could be no more than a handful of quick tips into a full study strategy. At the heart of this strategy is the idea of efficiency. That is the key to everything. You get the good grades as a result of working smarter not harder. More done, of higher quality, in less time.The book also points out, albeit somewhat indirectly, that using these methods will probably help your physical and mental health and well-being, simply through thorough planning and organisation to reduce STRESS.I graduated from university about 8 years ago. I bought this book in order to learn how to study more effectively for non-University endeavours on which I will shortly be embarking. All the way through reading the book I was smiling, but at the same time cursing. The text highlighted every area in which I was lacking way back in 2001 when I went from school to university. It reminded me how shockingly inexperienced and woefully under prepared I was.I really wish that someone had given me a copy of this book to read, or sat me down and explained to me the benefits of a similar approach as I'm convinced I would have done a lot better academically and socially at university as a result, rather than being lost in a sea of stress and despair. It shows that studying is a skill just like any other, that can be learned and practised.The interesting thing this book highlights which won't even come up in most discussions of effective learning and studying, is that good academic grades have far more to do with planning and time management than they do with being allegedly "gifted". Clearly you need to have a baseline level of intelligence, but after that, it's all about consistently deploying an effective system. This book is that system.If you are a student, or if you are anybody about to study any subject as part of a course, or just for personal development, I strongly recommend you get this book because it will make you realise the error of your ways and could save you an awful lot of time, effort and heartache.If you are a teacher, lecturer or professor of any kind then I also recommend that you get this book, as this is exactly the sort of thing that you should teach all of your students as soon as possible.This is a truly excellent book, although the academics amongst you will probably write it off as being too simplistic. That would be a mistake. Its power is in its simplicity.

I think if you are studing anything, this book would be a great help to increasing your effectiveness. Most of the other reviewers comments cover all the things you need to know about this book. But I would say, since teaching the guitar and bass for ten years I was always looking for books to help students learn how to learn - or parents wanting books on helping their children/teenager learn - well this would have been the book I would have recommended if t had existsed back then. A thoroughly easy book to work through - not huge like some study guides - well though through - and written by someone in the business, a college professor.I can also thoroughly recommend you also listen to or read Cal's other book about competence and finding your way in life. I love the idea you should be focused on ability and competence rather than all that guff about tricking your way through interviews, networking, and all that stuff those looking for work are told to do. You know what? Those tricks and scams just don't work. Read Cal Newports book "So Good They Can't Ignore You" for a whole new ethical appraoch to getting the right jobs for you.

I bought this to help a first-year Physic student, who I thought could benefit from some enhancements to his "Personal System". The book is fairly straightforward, nothing amazing, but we picked up a few useful tips.The book treats technical and non-technical courses separately for much of the content, which will be useful for the time-poor students who are the target audience - you can skip large chunks that are not relevant to you.I thought the approach to a writing assignment was excellent. The emphasis on letting your unconscious do some of the hard work is appropriate I think. And having a "System" will help students overcome procrastination.Worth a look for anyone finding the going in college difficult.

A book like this shines through because it is based on the author's own and other straight A students' experience. It is not only useful for degree level studies but for research degrees. I am putting together a research proposal and the final section of this book is a Godsend. It has focused me and already I am finding it easier and am more motivated than before. Clear practical advice is what Cal Newport gives and I urge you to buy the book it really does what it says on the tin. I have tried many techniques on effective studying put forward in books before but where this differs is the simplicity of the techniques and easy applicability. The other books I have read differed in that they had too many preparation steps, Cal Newport gets straight into the nitty gritty. Academic as well as life success awaits all for the price of the book plus post and packing!

I am IT student in my final year at university and I stumbled into this book just before starting the academic year.This book has done wonders for me. I was your average laid back student, averaging mediocre grades (50%) in most modules. After applying the methodology outline from this book I managed to score 68% and 69% in my January exams - and they were tough modules!The beauty in this book is its efficiency and the insight of how academics actually think.I'd highly recommend this book.

Mostly impractical imo

I read the book. Passed all exams with good marks. Very good book. Recommend for all students who have a struggle learning 10 hours every day.

Enjoyed the book, having little free time at Uni this helped me take a broad overview of my time and eliminate unnecessary procrastination while improving my study habits.