Sometimes, you have to wonder. After carving up Rugg's Video on the Colleges in our May-June 1993 issue because--unlike Mr. Rugg's highly regarded, comprehensive, and coherent book--the video was basically a talking head lecture that offered spotty coverage and such valuable guidance as "I'm getting better vibrations out of University of Kentucky," we've been sent another video which does the exact same thing. This one's half as long and a third more expensive and is filmed before an audience of guidance counselors rather than parents, but its flaws are identical to the earlier tape. While there are a few cogent comments about schools here, Rugg often sounds as if he's reading a grocery list as he runs through his repertoire of colleges in no particular order. As you might have guessed, this non-indexed video, like its predecessor, has zip reference value.According to The Secrets to College Success, 40% of the freshmen who enter college never receive a diploma. That percentage could probably be cut down somewhat if students had an idea what to expect and a plan for getting through that crucial first year. Divided into 14 segments, this video combines straightforward information delivered by a pair of onscreen hosts with interviews from a number of students in a wide range of backgrounds and study areas. Topics include upfront planning, dealing with roommates, avoiding the party-hardy burnout trap, understanding the importance of teacher's assistants, taking notes, good study habits, time organization, extracurricular activities, writing papers, and more. The tape offers a good mix of general and specific information, including insider tips on checking out old tests from the library, and handing in rough drafts of papers to teacher's assistants for early feedback. An excellent program, and more in-depth than College Freshman Survival Guide (reviewed in our February 1993 issue).Rugg's Insights on the Colleges is not recommended. The Secrets to College Success is highly recommended. (R. Pitman)
Rugg's Insights On the Colleges; The Secrets To College Success
(1993) 28 min. $29.95. Rugg's Recommendations. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 9, Issue 3
Rugg's Insights On the Colleges; The Secrets To College Success
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