A Guide to College Success for Post-traditional Students - Practical

In this review of A Guide to College Success for Post-traditional Students, the bottom line is simple: this book is a practical roadmap for adult learners pursuing the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) at Texas State University. It is written with the specific goal of helping post-traditional students succeed in the Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) Department and to navigate prior learning assessment and applied coursework. For anyone balancing work, family, and studies, the single biggest reason to buy is the book's clear organization that ties required textbook content directly to program outcomes and individualized degree pathways.

Key Features

• Program-focused guidance: The book lays out how required coursework supports the BAAS degree, helping learners map courses to program outcomes.
• Prior learning assessment support: It explains how college-level credit can be earned through PLA, aiding students who bring workplace knowledge into the degree plan.
• Applied baccalaureate emphasis: The text integrates higher-order thinking and advanced technical skills with applied coursework to reflect real-world applications.
• Faculty and leader resource: Presents an example of how a required textbook can be organized to support adult degree program instructors and administrators.
• Individualized pathway focus: Offers structure for students to develop a customized route to degree completion within the OWLS Department.

Who It's For

The primary audience is post-traditional adult learners enrolled in or considering the BAAS program at Texas State University, especially those in the OWLS Department who need a practical guide to align coursework, PLA options, and career goals. It is also useful for program faculty and academic leaders who design or advise adult degree programs and want a concrete example of textbook alignment to outcomes.

This is less useful for traditional undergraduates seeking a general college success primer or for students outside applied baccalaureate or workforce-focused degree programs; those readers should look for materials targeting younger, full-time students or majors with discipline-specific curricula.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear alignment between textbook content and BAAS program outcomes makes degree planning more straightforward for adult learners.
• Practical guidance on prior learning assessment helps experienced students convert workplace skills into credits.
• Useful template for faculty and program leaders designing curricula for applied baccalaureate students.

Cons

• The scope is focused on the OWLS Department and BAAS pathways, so it may feel narrow for those outside this program.

Specifications

Title	A Guide to College Success for Post-traditional Students
Primary focus	BAAS degree and OWLS Department support
Author / Brand	Henry S. Merrill
Intended audience	Post-traditional adult learners and program faculty
Key topics	Applied baccalaureate, prior learning assessment, individualized pathways
Use case	Degree planning, PLA guidance, curriculum alignment

Our Verdict

For adult learners in the BAAS program and the advisors who support them, this book is a focused, practical investment that clarifies how coursework, PLA, and applied learning fit together to complete an interdisciplinary degree. It is good value for those needing program-specific direction, though readers outside applied baccalaureate contexts may find the scope limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain prior learning assessment?
The review notes it covers PLA concepts and how students may earn college credit for learning acquired outside traditional classrooms.

Is this suitable for faculty and program designers?
Yes; the book is presented as an example of how a required textbook can support program outcomes and faculty advising in adult degree programs.

Will traditional undergraduates benefit?
Not as much; the content is tailored to post-traditional learners and applied baccalaureate pathways rather than full-time traditional students.