Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re seeking advice on the best schools, tips on scholarships, or guidance on navigating college life, these College Guides are essential resources. They provide expert advice, detailed information, and personal insights to help you make informed decisions about your future. Below is our curated list of the top 10 College Guides, each offering unique perspectives and valuable advice to support your college journey.
Author: Sarah Williams
Sarah Williams is an experienced education consultant with over 15 years of guiding students through the college selection process. She specializes in helping students find the right fit for their academic and personal goals.
10. College Success (paperback, b&w)
Author: Amy Baldwin
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7 out of 5 stars, 235 ratings)
This comprehensive guide is designed to help students succeed not just in college, but in life. It covers everything from time management to financial planning, making it a great resource for anyone entering college.
Why You’ll Love It
This book offers a holistic approach to college success, emphasizing both academic and personal growth.
Fun Fact
Amy Baldwin is a well-known advocate for first-generation college students and has dedicated her career to helping them succeed.
9. Goodnight Dorm Room: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to College
Author: Samuel Kaplan
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4 out of 5 stars, 626 ratings)
This playful yet informative guide provides humorous and practical advice for new college students. It’s perfect for anyone feeling anxious about the transition to college life.
Why You’ll Love It
The book is filled with relatable stories and tips that make the transition to college life less intimidating.
Fun Fact
Samuel Kaplan wrote this book based on his own experiences of moving into a dorm room that was much smaller than he expected.
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8. The Best 390 Colleges, 2025: In-Depth Profiles & Ranking Lists to Help Find the Right College For You
Author: The Princeton Review
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 stars, 1,210 ratings)
This annually updated guide provides detailed profiles and ranking lists of 390 colleges, making it an invaluable resource for students trying to find the perfect fit.
Why You’ll Love It
The comprehensive profiles and candid student feedback offer a realistic view of each college, helping you make an informed decision.
Fun Fact
The Princeton Review has been publishing college guides for over 30 years, and their insights are based on surveys from over 140,000 students.
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7. The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness
Author: Jill Grimes MD FAAFP
Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0 out of 5 stars, 49 ratings)
This guide offers practical health advice for college students, covering everything from minor illnesses to mental health.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s written by a family physician who understands the unique health challenges faced by college students.
Fun Fact
Dr. Jill Grimes is a practicing family physician and a nationally recognized medical media expert who has been featured on major news networks.
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6. On Writing the College Application Essay, 25th Anniversary Edition: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice
Author: Harry Bauld
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4 out of 5 stars, 213 ratings)
This classic guide to writing college application essays is still as relevant today as it was 25 years ago.
Why You’ll Love It
Harry Bauld’s no-nonsense approach helps students craft essays that stand out from the competition.
Fun Fact
Harry Bauld is a former Ivy League admissions officer, giving him insider knowledge on what makes a great application essay.
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5. College Essay Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Successful College Admissions Essay
Author: Ethan Sawyer
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5 stars, 719 ratings)
Ethan Sawyer, also known as the College Essay Guy, offers a detailed guide to writing powerful college essays that will get you noticed.
Why You’ll Love It
This guide breaks down the essay-writing process into manageable steps, making it easier for students to write standout essays.
Fun Fact
Ethan Sawyer’s online resources have helped millions of students craft their college essays.
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4. Financial Literacy for Young Adults Simplified: Discover How to Manage, Save, and Invest Money to Build a Secure & Independent Future
Author: Raman Keane
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7 out of 5 stars, 312 ratings)
This book is a must-read for any young adult who wants to take control of their financial future.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s a straightforward guide that covers everything from budgeting to investing, making complex financial concepts easy to understand.
Fun Fact
Raman Keane wrote this book after realizing that many young adults lack basic financial literacy, despite its importance.
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3. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Essential College Life Survival Guide and Graduation Gift for Students)
Author: Harlan Cohen
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6 out of 5 stars, 1,891 ratings)
This bestselling guide is a humorous yet practical resource for navigating the ups and downs of college life.
Why You’ll Love It
Harlan Cohen’s lighthearted approach makes serious topics like relationships and roommate issues more approachable.
Fun Fact
The book’s title comes from the author’s own experience with a less-than-ideal roommate situation in college.
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2. The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2025: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes
Author: Gen Tanabe
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8 out of 5 stars, 15 ratings)
This comprehensive guide to scholarships, grants, and prizes is an invaluable resource for any student looking to reduce the cost of college.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s filled with detailed information on thousands of scholarships, making it easier for students to find the financial aid they need.
Fun Fact
Gen Tanabe and his wife, Kelly, have written numerous best-selling books on education and scholarships.
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1. Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025
Author: Edward Fiske
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.8 out of 5 stars, 9 ratings)
The Fiske Guide is a classic resource for college-bound students, offering detailed profiles of over 300 colleges and universities.
Why You’ll Love It
The guide provides a balanced view of each institution, including strengths and weaknesses, which helps students make informed decisions.
Fun Fact
Edward Fiske was the education editor of The New York Times for 17 years, and his guide has been a trusted resource for decades.
Buy Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025 on Amazon
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