How to Be a High School Superstar - by Cal Newport (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Do Less, Live More, Get Accepted

What if getting into your reach schools didn't require four years of excessive A.P. classes, overwhelming activity schedules, and constant stress?

In How to Be a High School Superstar, Cal Newport explores the world of relaxed superstars--students who scored spots at the nation's top colleges by leading uncluttered, low stress, and authentic lives. Drawing from extensive interviews and cutting-edge science, Newport explains the surprising truths behind these superstars' mixture of happiness and admissions success, including:

- Why doing less is the foundation for becoming more impressive.
- Why demonstrating passion is meaningless, but being interesting is crucial.
- Why accomplishments that are hard to explain are better than accomplishments that are hard to do.

These insights are accompanied by step-by-step instructions to help any student adopt the relaxed superstar lifestyle--proving that getting into college doesn't have to be a chore to survive, but instead can be the reward for living a genuinely interesting life.

Review Quotes

"As a former Ivy League admissions officer, I was overjoyed to see a book that hit the nail on the head regarding selective college admissions and how to take the process in stride. Students will find his book extremely useful and admissions officers will be relieved to see applicants who escape the cookie-cutter syndrome." --Dr. Michele Hernández, author of A Is for Admission and co-founder of Top Tier Admissions

"Disguised as a peppy college-admission guide, Newport's book is actually a profound, life-affirming manifesto for ambitious high school students. Forgo the sleepless and cynical path to college acceptance. Instead, blaze your trail to the Ivy League by living a full life and immersing yourself in things that matter. Relax. Find meaning. Be you." --David Shenk, author of The Genius in All of Us

"How to Be a High School Superstar should be on the shelf of every student who wonders how to stand out in the increasingly competitive race to get into a top college. Cal Newport has a keen sense of what types of students and activities appeal to college admissions officers and his advice is exceptionally easy to execute. His approach will not only help you win the admissions race, it will keep you sane while you run the marathon." --Joie Jager-Hyman, author of Fat Envelope Frenzy and B+ Grades, A+ College Application

"This book changes everything. Put away your traditional college plan and get ready to learn something that really works." --Chris Guillebeau, author of The $100 Startup and The Art of Non-Conformity

About the Author

Cal Newport graduated from Dartmouth College, earned a Ph.D. from MIT, and is now an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University. He's the author of five books, including most recently the Wall Street Journal business bestseller Deep Work. He also runs the popular blog Study Hacks, which explores the impact of technology on our ability to perform productive work and lead satisfying lives. His contrarian ideas have been featured on many major media platforms, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Economist and NPR. Visit him online at calnewport.com.