First published 2022
College graduation statistics reveal a troubling reality that most students fail to complete their degrees. Matt McCarthy, an award-winning Arizona State University professor, confronts this problem head-on after teaching more than 70,000 students throughout his career. McCarthy brings a unique perspective to the challenge, having nearly dropped out himself before becoming an educator and parent. He identifies the key factors that separate graduates from dropouts through extensive classroom observation and personal experience. The book presents these insights through entertaining anecdotes and real student examples that illustrate common pitfalls and successful strategies. McCarthy writes in an accessible style that speaks to both students and their families. His practical advice addresses the fundamental differences between those who persist through college and those who abandon their studies. The book serves as a roadmap for navigating the obstacles that derail so many college careers.
Genres: education, non-fiction, college, academic
Vibes: accessible, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-growth, self-improvement
Setting: Arizona State University
Period: 21st-century
96 pages · Hardcover · Independently published