Text Books for Free
One of the worst parts about college is how expensive it is. For example, with financial aid I currently pay $30,000 a year for tuition, $600 for textbooks, and $90 for a parking pass. All things considered this is reasonable since I save money by not living on campus. But there are ways to slash the costs. One of the best ways I’ve found, is to get your text books for free.
I can be lazy and cheap. I won’t lie, I’m broke and tired. I don’t want to do any more than is absolutely necessary to survive my week. If I don’t have to go to store to buy a book, I won’t. I’d rather stay here on my computer. But I digress.
If you ever want to get a free textbook, all you have to do is Google the name of the textbook, the author, and the edition. I’ve gotten the majority of my textbooks for free by finding them on Google Drive or in PDF form.
To show that I’m not a weird computer scam, here’s a link to Bloomfield’s ‘How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life’ textbook, 4th edition on Google Drive.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6hjEAwn8lB-NGZrNGpsYUUtdmM/edit
The one warning I will give, is that you should never download anything. If there is a download option in the PDF form, do that AFTER you’ve established it’s an actual textbook. But if there’s a big pretty button saying “FREE DOWNLOAD” under no circumstances should you push it. You will release all kinds of viruses and Trojans onto your computer. So be careful what you click.
I hope this helped some other broke motherhuggers out, stay savvy my friends.
How to Get A’s With An Awful Professor
We all get these professors. I typically get one a semester, so I’ve developed seven ways to get an A with an awful professor:
1. Keep records of everything. If you submit a paper physically, email/submit an electronic copy. That way if he/she ‘loses’ it, you have proof that they have a copy and you’re not at fault. This way if you need to appeal a grade, you have records and evidence that you are the responsible one.
2. If you aren’t happy with a grade, talk to that professor first with a friend. This gives a witness to the conversation who can attest that you were respectful and calm when asking about your grade. Remember, be cool. If you’re overheated and emotional it’s just going to hurt you.
3. Always do the extra credit. Not only will this boost your grade, but it gives you an opportunity to see how they grade and what you may want to change to fit their preferences.
4. If it’s a d**k professor who asks you to use APA or Chicago format, make sure you research it. I use EasyBib since they’re the cheapest and easiest way to cite material and learn about formats. MLA is free, but you’ll need to buy a subscription to use APA, Chicago, or any other format. It’s cheapest to get the lifetime subscription for $29.99, I love it and use it constantly.
5. Schedule tutoring sessions. Even if you’re typically an A student, if you’re having trouble with a professor, an outside, unbiased opinion will help. Your friend that you rant to about him/her isn’t going to give constructive criticism. A tutor will. If your college charges you for tutoring time, find a TA and ask for their advice.
6. Don’t write with spite. If you know how they feel about a certain hot topic, like religion, guns, or abortion, don’t write about that topic. Ethically you should be able to, but realistically it’s probably going to hurt your grade and affect your relationship with that prof in a negative way. You don’t need to kiss their a** and write about their opinion, but you should avoid it.
7. Stay on top of your grade. If you disagree with a grade, let that professor know asap so you can get it resolved. Bad professors will generally try to avoid talking about grades that students want changed, so you need to walk up to him/her immediately after class and start the conversation. If the professor leaves, walk next to him/her. Don’t be aggressive, but firm. If there is an argument, record it in a journal. Better yet, use your voice recorder on your phone when you’re talking to them. This is irrefutable proof to whatever the professor says.
Hopefully these helped you out, bad professors are rough. You’ll definitely have more, so buckle down and try to enjoy the good professors you have while you have them. Good luck!
SURVIVAL OF THE SAVVY 