Tips for BuyingTextbooks

Having your textbook when you attend the first day of class is critical. I know that books are expensive but, you cannot be a successful student without the necessary tools that I wrote about yesterday. You'll be behind before you even start.

Having your very own copy of the class text is the most efficient way to go. Here are some tips for you to consider:

1. There are two sites where you can purchase books very reasonably.
www.Bigwords.com
www.SchoolSoup.com
It takes about a week to ten days to receive your books but, even with postage,
which is about $3.99, you will still save a bundle. While you are waiting for
your books, you can use a copy that the library has on reserve. You can't
check it out but, you can use it for two hours. (The COD Library has a copy of
every textbook which is being used at the college.)

Both of these sites will buy back your books.

2. Rental books are now available. Try Chegg.com and also check with the COD
(Follett Bookstore).

3. If you are working toward a vocational degree, check out New Horizons for books
that you can borrow.

4. Buy USED books whenever they are available.

5. Sell your books back. Even though you get a fraction of what you paid, the
money can be used for books for the next semester. Furthermore, it is unlikely
that you will ever look at them again once you finish the class and they will
take up valuable shelf or counter space.

6. Share a book with a trusted friend who is taking the same class. This does
restrict your study time so organization and time management are important for
you to have the book available when you need it.

7. If you have a portfolio or workbook that is required for the class, sharing
just won't work. YOU NEED YOUR OWN COPY. (An example is the portfolio for the
Scholarship Class.) Your grade is based on the portfolio but, more
importantly,it should be a work in progress which you will use through graduate
school.

8. If you are having financial difficulties, talk to your instructor to check out
options.

9. Bottom line. If you are serious about being a successful student and having a
satisfying future career, you need to think of purchasing your textbooks as an
investment. They are a very essential component of your education.

10. If you need money, have you checked out the following?
FAFSA
BOG Waiver
EOPS/CARE
Scholarship Class (STDV 011)--there are two sections offered each semester
Scholarship and Money Workshops--sign up in the Career/Transfer Center
Discuss your concerns with your counselor for other options