80 The Journal of College Orientation and Transition

From F to Phi Beta Kappa: 
Supercharge Your Study Skills
By Lance O. Ong 
Published by Chromisphere Press 2004, 240 Pages

Reviewed by
Mark K. Roof (roof@clemson.edu), Assistant Director of Judicial Services, 
Clemson University, South Carolina

The focus of Ong’s book goes beyond a basic study guide to be used actively by 
college students.  Deeper messages prevail as attention is given to substantive learning
versus supporting the mind-set of doing the bare minimum necessary to get by and make
the grade.  It is crucial that today’s student understand that easing through course after
course and not truly challenging oneself to learn, grow, and develop is nothing short of a
waste of time and resources, especially given the rising costs associated with attending
college.  

Ong offers many tips to students to incorporate into the successful completion of a
college experience.  In a very effective manner, the author relays personal accounts of
his personal history while giving the reader methods to become organized and attack the
academic world armed with skills that might otherwise never develop.  This book could
be the key to success for many students, as it was created to be an effective resource to
assist one with the rigors of academia.  

Ong has organized this book into three sections composed of 17 chapters.  
These chapters are grouped to address one’s personal connection to college life and
empowerment components, specific techniques and methods students can incorporate for
better preparation and performance for coursework, and the need to maintain a healthy
perspective during these college years, with additional discussion devoted to available
opportunities.  

Following a brief introduction, Chapter 1 of Section 1 begins with the 
acknowledgment that Ong was never really academically challenged until entering 
college, when he realized more effort was necessary than he had previously given his
studies.  He addresses the reality that most college course work entails a “heavy, 
unrelenting homework load” which has “set deadlines and unforgiving consequences”
when not properly attended to and managed.  A straightforward concept is 
introduced—that “college is all about becoming the best you can be in life.”  Yet some
students do not accept the challenge of “total development” but seek merely to acquire
good grades. In Chapter 2, Ong transitions from personal experiences of failure and 
success to advice and strategies.  Topics shift from concepts such as discipline and stress
management to persistence and planning.  

In Chapter 4, the author inentifies the key elements or core principles necessary to be
a successful student.  Chapter 5 establishes that the student is responsible for planning to



81Fall 2005  •  Volume 13, Number 1

become a success.  It is up to the student to determine what is critically important in each
class.

In Chapter 6, Ong emphasizes the importance of attending classes, sitting in the front
of the classroom, and keeping a detailed calendar to visually reference when tasks need
to be completed.  Chapter 8 offers many quick tips about how to succeed in class and 
an explanation that note taking is a critical method of recording information for later 
reference, yet is almost a lost art.  Ong suggests that students do not focus adequate
attention on effective note taking.  Chapter 8 also acknowledges the importance of
selecting reliable and motivated partners or teammates for group work when possible.
Useful tips are provided for working with others whether or not those persons are chosen
or assigned.  

The next four chapters cover significant areas that should be important to any student.
The general ideas discussed focus on preparing and following through on assignments
and coursework.  These topics are specifically related to class presentations and 
speeches, papers, exams, and pre- and post-exam activity.  

Just as a class shifts from regular semester/quarter assignments, so, too, does Ong. In
Chapter 13 he provides assistance in maintaining focus when approaching the end of a
course and final examinations.  He acknowledges the sense of fatigue and strain which
can accompany an exhaustive term.  In this chapter, Ong presents in detail several steps
in grade calculation.  Much less attention is given to stress management and dealing with
anxiety.  

In Chapter 14, Ong makes excellent points about meeting instructors and getting to
know them while not choosing coursework based upon the path of least resistance.  
He also offers other helpful suggestions about how to appropriately interact with 
instructors.  

As the reader moves into Part 3, Ong shifts attention to staying balanced and 
maintaining a healthy perspective.  Chapter 15 relates mostly to realizing the 
interconnectedness of various components within one’s academic and social life.  
Specific focus is given to the challenge of continuously improving oneself and 
addressing efficient study tips.  Tips and advice presented in this chapter include 
applying maximum effort, staying motivated, having a healthy understanding of “tolerant
perfection” as defined by Ong, learning from one’s errors, and maintaining a healthy
mind and body.  

Chapter 16 singularly focuses on recognizing the unique opportunities for students to
become involved with study abroad travel experiences.  Chapter 17 rounds out this book
by discussing the importance of staying organized, becoming comfortable with accepting
recognition and praise for a job well done, and treating others in the world with kindness
as one attempts to make the world a better place.  The final words motivate students to
accept the challenge and learn during these college years.                                  

These sections and chapters cannot only help a failing or below average student, but
also can improve the performance of “good” students who may fall short of learning and
earning high grades.  This book can quickly be viewed as a how-to manual in 
constructing study techniques.  Too many students come to realize that the process of
rote memorization will cause them to fall short of the demand for analysis and synthesis



82 The Journal of College Orientation and Transition

of information.  Ong provides a means for students to become more organized and 
realize their potential.  His personal stories and reflections are appropriate in helping 
students better understand collegiate challenges and obstacles, be motivated to perform
at a higher level, and become better time managers within a less stressful environment.

In conclusion, I wish that this book existed years ago when I was enrolled in high
school and subsequently in college.  Many critical areas are concisely addressed in Ong’s
book.  It can justifiably be viewed as the first invaluable purchase as one invests in
his/her future as a student and as a fulfilled person, making this book well worth the
money.  Other such books may exist, but Ong has done an excellent job of concisely 
providing inspiration and motivation while supplying strategies and techniques 
to succeed.