The first book to provide first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students of color with insider knowledge on how to consider and navigate graduate school
 
Is Grad School for Me? is a calling card and a corrective to the lack of clear guidance for historically excluded students navigating the onerous undertaking of graduate school—starting with asking if grad school is even a good fit. This essential resource offers step-by-step instructions on how to maneuver the admissions process before, during, and after applying.
 
Unlike other guides, Is Grad School for Me? takes an approach that is both culturally relevant and community based. The book is packed with relatable scenarios, memorable tips, common myths and mistakes, sample essays, and templates to engage a variety of learners. With a strong focus on demystifying higher education and revealing the hidden curriculum, this guide aims to diversify a wide range of professions in academia, nonprofits, government, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

Written with professional insight into higher education, Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind merges personal effectiveness disciplines with study skills techniques to help modern students manage their increasingly busy lives. 

Today’s students are more distracted than ever before. With hacks to help students retrain their brains for maximum focus and concentration, Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind connects with students of all backgrounds and experience levels, from traditional undergraduate and graduate students to student-athletes and trade school students, especially midcareer professionals pursuing part-time education. Every modern student can learn to become more successful and productive with Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind. 

By addressing academic advancement and personal effectiveness through a holistic lens, this educational resource helps students increase their focus, concentration, productivity, and performance without sacrificing other important aspects of their lives. Students who follow the advice in this book will be able to increase their impact inside and outside the classroom while seeking their life’s work. 

Generative AI was not used in the writing of this book. The contents of this book are based solely on the author's knowledge, research, and personal experience.

The Only College Guide You'll Ever Need

Find Meaning, Growth, and Joy in Your College Journey

The Complete U is a supportive, real-world guide to thriving in college—academically, socially, and emotionally. With warmth, humor, and deep insight, Dr. Deborah J. Cohan delivers over 100 empowering lessons to help students navigate every aspect of campus life.

The Complete U is your empowering, honest, and compassionate guide to navigating every step of the college experience. With over 100 lessons from sociologist and beloved professor Dr. Deborah J. Cohan, this transformative book offers the wisdom, support, and practical strategies every student needs to succeed in and beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re a first-year student or preparing to graduate, this book is like a trusted mentor, cheering you on while offering real talk about everything from picking a major to building mental resilience. From managing course loads and professors to making friends, coping with anxiety, and defining your purpose, The Complete U helps you grow not only as a student—but as a person.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Practical advice for every aspect of college life—from homesickness and time management to healthy relationships and stress relief.
• Supportive lessons for mental, emotional, and academic well-being, especially tailored to modern challenges like social media burnout, identity, and uncertainty.
• Lively reflections and real stories from students and parents, offering encouragement and insight in equal measure.

Your College Compass and Survival Toolkit

If you liked The Anxious Generation, The Freshman Survival Guide, or The Naked Roommate, then you'll love The Complete U.

The first book to provide first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students of color with insider knowledge on how to consider and navigate graduate school
 
Is Grad School for Me? is a calling card and a corrective to the lack of clear guidance for historically excluded students navigating the onerous undertaking of graduate school—starting with asking if grad school is even a good fit. This essential resource offers step-by-step instructions on how to maneuver the admissions process before, during, and after applying.
 
Unlike other guides, Is Grad School for Me? takes an approach that is both culturally relevant and community based. The book is packed with relatable scenarios, memorable tips, common myths and mistakes, sample essays, and templates to engage a variety of learners. With a strong focus on demystifying higher education and revealing the hidden curriculum, this guide aims to diversify a wide range of professions in academia, nonprofits, government, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

The first book to provide first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students of color with insider knowledge on how to consider and navigate graduate school
 
Is Grad School for Me? is a calling card and a corrective to the lack of clear guidance for historically excluded students navigating the onerous undertaking of graduate school—starting with asking if grad school is even a good fit. This essential resource offers step-by-step instructions on how to maneuver the admissions process before, during, and after applying.
 
Unlike other guides, Is Grad School for Me? takes an approach that is both culturally relevant and community based. The book is packed with relatable scenarios, memorable tips, common myths and mistakes, sample essays, and templates to engage a variety of learners. With a strong focus on demystifying higher education and revealing the hidden curriculum, this guide aims to diversify a wide range of professions in academia, nonprofits, government, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.