Guide Note

The UnCollege Alternative, by Danielle Wood, is a guide for people searching for an alternative route to attending college.

Offers Advice On

1. Great careers without a college degree
2. Taking time off before or during college
3. Opportunities for adventures around the world
4. Internships, apprenticeships and training programs
5. Community service projects that pay
6. Starting your own business

Fast Facts

1. Author: Danielle Wood
2. Pages: 304 (Paperback)
3. Published: March 20, 2000
4. Average customer rating at Amazon.com: 4 1/2 stars (April 23, 2008)

Reviews

"Wood's engaging debut is part pep talk and part advice manual for those who want to skip college either temporarily or permanently. Although Wood doesn't cite the statistics she uses to argue that a liberal arts degree is not necessary in today's job market, she does make a compelling caseDespecially in the first section, which includes short self-tests designed to help readers determine what career to pursue. The next three sections contain descriptions of specific occupations one can investigate domestically and abroad. These range from temporary internships on organic farms and entry-level positions at Hollywood talent agencies to careers in adventure travel. Though realistic about job demands and employment prospects, Wood is at times not as informative as necessary: for example, when she discusses applying to Cogswell Polytechnic College or the Culinary Institute of America, she fails to indicate how competitive admission really is. She does, however, give specific contact information and provide the reader with a number of money-earning ideas. Her casual tone will appeal to readers in their late teens and early twenties. Recommended for all public libraries." - Cheryl Van Til,