“Every year, millions of young people all over the world go to college … and so, in a sense, do their parents. In this vividly written and often wise book, educator and former college president Philip Glotzbach offers sane advice, first to students, then to their parents – about the major life transition they are about to experience.”

– Howard Gardner, Ph.D., Hobbes Research Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard University Graduate School of Education

“The journey to and through college is riddled with anxiety. This thought-provoking book helps students and parents navigate the process, while asking bigger questions and generating excitement. What is the purpose of a college education? How do I build a meaningful life in college and beyond? What contributions might I make in the world? Only an experienced college president, philosopher, and parent could write a book permeated with such warmth, wisdom, and challenge. If you’re a student or parent on the journey to college, use this book as both a roadmap and a spark for conversations.”

– Angel B. Pérez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

“Philip Glotzbach challenges today’s college students to embrace their new level of freedom and take full responsibility for their college and post-college lives. Even more importantly, he describes effective ways for them to do so. This guidance is precisely what new college and university students most need today.”

– Philip C. McGraw Ph. D., “Dr. Phil”, Psychologist, television host, producer, philanthropist, and bestselling author

“A superb book, full of wise advice, well researched and well written, and brimming with authentic stories. It strikes me that this book should be of interest to all of us, not only college students and parents of college students, but everyone who wants to be thoughtful about how to live their life and make use of the opportunities presented to them.”

– Alan Paige Lightman, Ph.D., Physicist, Professor of the Practice of Humanities, MIT, and bestselling author of Einstein’s Dreams (among many other books)

“I loved reading this book. It’s filled with so much wisdom. It does a wonderful job of synthesizing all the advice college students need.”

– Adam S. Weinberg, Ph.D., President, Denison University

“This book is truly fabulous – it made me want to start college all over again. I love it! I want to buy copies for all the students and parents I work with.”

– Judy Campbell, Founder, Emeritus College Counseling

“This is indeed a book I wish I’d read when I was eighteen!”

– Dennis Johnson, Co-founder and Publisher, Melville House

“Philip Glotzbach may be the last of a breed of educators who believe students can learn to think critically for themselves, by far the greatest freedom a college education can impart. He also provides invaluable guidance for parents to help them support their student in this journey."

– John R. MacArthur, Publisher of Harper’s Magazine and Skidmore Parent

“This book does a fine thing for generations of students (and their parents) who will profit from its wisdom. Above all, it offers them two things that are sadly in short supply today: empowerment and hope.”

– Moisés Kaufman, Founder and Artistic Director, TECTONIC Theater Project

“This book speaks to the many issues that affect the day-to-day lives of today’s college and university students – including questions relating to mental health, drug and alcohol use, cyberbullying, and much more. Practical as well as inspirational, it represents an invaluable guide book for contemporary undergrads and their parents, and it offers them a good measure of hope and encouragement.”

– W. Rochelle Calhoun, Vice President for Campus Life, Princeton University