The transition from high school to college is one of the most frightening times in any student’s life. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be quite so scary with the proper college preparation. Here are 5 books for college-bound students that will help prepare them for the terrifying, yet wonderful journeys that lie ahead of them.

Must-Read Books for College-Bound Students

How to Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

College is an incredibly social place. Your high school friends have gone down different paths and now you’re forced to make new friends, tolerate new roommates, and work on group assignments. How to Win Friends & Influence People is the ultimate self-help guide for developing people skills, which are essential to a productive and fun-filled college life.

Take the Stairs, by Rory Vaden

It’s no secret that college is a lot of work. A LOT. Take the Stairs is the perfect motivational book for college-bound students. Vaden provides a strategy of focus and self-discipline that can quickly lead to better study habits and overall performance in college when applied correctly. Students will learn how to resist the temptations of “quick fixes,” eliminate distractions, and overcome any personal obstacles that may be hindering them from truly thriving in college.

Working, by Studs Terkel

Many college-bound students struggle with the thought of choosing a major. This will be the sole focus of the next several years of their lives, and some of them will end up changing their minds halfway through their college experience. Working is a wonderful book for college-bound students because it exposes them to a variety of different occupations and real life working experiences from people across America. Deemed “the real American experience” by Chicago Daily News, Terkel’s book provides insights as to whether or not people really do get to choose their careers the same way they choose their majors.

The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

Don’t let the title deceive you. While the main focus of the book is about overcoming obstacles that get in the way of creativity, The War of Art also applies to everyday life. Whether an artsy person or not, every college student will have to tap into their inner creativity at some point in their college life. Certain classes (and professors) tend to challenge students on their creative abilities. This book will help college-bound students overcome those challenges and embrace creativity.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, by Nathanial Branden

There’s nothing high school students struggle with more than self-esteem. The transition from high school to college can often times magnify this problem, leaving students lacking confidence when they need it the most. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a must-read for college bound students. Branden provides exercises and practices for daily living that create a great foundation for improving self-worth.

Gift Ideas for High School Graduates

All five of these books would make great gifts for high school graduates, regardless of their post high school plans. Whether workforce or college-bound, students must learn the skills necessary to socialize effectively, maintain motivation, choose an appropriate career path, overcome obstacles, and build their self-esteem. Can you recommend any other books for college-bound students?

P.S. Is your high school grad still on the fence about which college he wants to attend? Book a college tour with Campus Visit Experts to help make his decision a little easier.