Bird, Charles and Bird, Dorothy M. Learning by More Effective Study. [New York:  D. Appleton-Century Company, Inc., 1945. Pp.  275.]

This book, which “was written for college students, for high school seniors and for adults who are continuing their education”, presents the instructions necessary to guide an adult into more effective ways of studying various types of material. “The procedures recommended are supported by experimental evidence and by the experience of several thousand college students who had the courage to admit they needed training in studying.”

The eight chapters cover a lot of pertinent topics including problems of adjustment in college, selection of the curriculum, how to read effectively, the use of libraries, how to study assignments, suggestions for studying in foreign language, the making of useful notes of various types, and the writing examination, theme and term papers. The last chapter entitled “Will You Be Successful in College?” presents the factors involved in student mortality and success. It is one of the most valuable in the book and should be read by both parents and would-be college students.

It is interesting to learn that researches have shown that students who rank high in their senior high school class, who have well developed verbal and numerical facilities, and who enter college with the attitude and desire for success, usually attain academic success. Students who are above the average in mathematics or in the physical or biological sciences tend to have similar abilities and demonstrate that success in any science is related in some way to mathematical aptitude. A student who does not possess a liking for, or an ability in mathematics rarely achieves in the advanced scientific courses. Special aptitudes in mathematics, basic sciences and English are not so necessary to success in the social sciences such as history and politics. Of course methods of work and personality characteristics play roles also.

The strict admission policies and the high professional standards maintained by the medical schools are emphasized and it is pointed out that the student ap