Dr. Matt’s Gutsy College Guides

04/27/2026

First-generation college students are the fastest-growing group on our campuses—yet many arrive without feeling confident in their academic writing.

That’s why I’m excited to share that this June, I’ll be launching a new book focused on helping incoming and first-generation students understand the college landscape, build confidence, and invest in their writing.

Before the official release, I’m looking for a small group of advance readers to be part of the journey. If you’re passionate about student success—work closely with students navigating college writing—or have college-bound students in your home—I’d love your perspective.

As an advance reader, you’ll:
• Get early access to the book
• Receive an invite to our mid-June launch celebration
• Have the opportunity to share an honest review at launch

Interested? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gtxpzKKV

Please feel free to share this with colleagues and networks who are committed to supporting first-gen. and incoming college students!

10/07/2025

Do you need to be speed-reader to succeed in college? The short answer: No. A better answer: Check out what it takes to really to read well: https://gutsycollege.com/reading-in-college-is-faster-better/

09/03/2025

Heading back to college? Supercharge your reading here! https://gutsycollege.com/how-difficult-is-college-reading-part-2/

06/03/2025

How do you choose what to read? When I was in college it seemed like most of my reading-time was dominated by course syllabi. I didn’t make much time outside of class for reading.

Now that I'm on the other side of college I have a bit more time. But with more than four million books published a year in the US alone, how does one choose!? While I imagine most people don’t obsess over this as much as I do, I thought I’d share a strategy I’ve adopted. I created a list that starts in the year 2000 and includes the names and authors of the awarding winning books across a bunch of categories of things I enjoy.

The list includes the annual fiction and nonfiction Pulitzers and National book award winners. The Booker and International Booker prize winners, Hugos, Nebulas, and Bram Stokers. And just for variety, a list of the most banned books in the US, Powell’s Bookstores national and international “read before you die” lists, and the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science (in case you’d not already realized how much of a geek I am). Every time a new winner is announced, I add it to the list. My goal is to eventually get back to 2000 and on schedule with the annual winners. I’ve got a long way to go, but it does help me focus a bit.

In case you are at all interested in my list, I’d be happy to share it with you. Email me at matt@gutsycollege and I’ll be happy to send it your way. And if you'd like to super-charge your reading, check out Dr. Matt's Gutsy Guide at www.gutsycollege.com. How do you decide on your next read?

12/19/2024

https://gutsycollege.com/organizational-hacks-how-to-keep-track-of-your-college-reading/

Although you’d not think it by looking at my garage, I am a pretty organized person. My shelves of stuff aren't labeled with a label-maker or color-coded, but if you ask me where the box with the Christmas lights are, I’d be able to point you right to them. It’s not perfect, but my systems

08/27/2024

Boost your Back-to-School studies! Try a few from these dozens of strategies to save time and learn more. A great gift for your college-bound student.

06/05/2024

Shout-out to our favorite local Independent bookstore (https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com)! Thanks to Grassroots in Corvallis for featuring Dr. Matt's Gutsy Guide. Go ask your local Indy bookstore for a copy 🤓

05/24/2024

One of the most neglected pieces of the college preparation puzzle - how's your band looking?

I recently came across an article that told a story about the Rolling Stones and their secret to playing together for more than 50 years. Yeah, I know, it's hard to imagine any band staying together for 50 years! But they’re still at it. It turns out that the band spends an incredible amount of

05/11/2024

Graduation season is upon us! Dr. Matt’s Gutsy Guide to Reading in College would be a great gift for High School grads preparing for college. True, it’s not as exciting as a new set of luggage, but it goes great with cash or gift cards. It’s a quick read full of everything you wished someone had told you about college before you started. Find it as an audio, print, or eBook on Amazon or reach out to me for discounts if you’d like 10 or more copies! www.gutsycollege.com

04/18/2024

If you’re in the neighborhood, come by Brew Coffee & Tap House (brewcofffeeandtaphouse.com) downtown Independence, OR on Saturday, April 20 from 1-3pm. Grab a snack, get a deal on Dr. Matt’s Gutsy Guide to College Reading and chat with the author!