This book is designed to provide college and university bound students with vital resources and practical skills to navigate through the promises, pleasures, and perils of their educational experience. Real world examples are outlined with step-by-step instructions that are tailored especially for those who need critical advice on how to pursue their studies with excellence. An ideal gift for high school graduates, Thinking with Excellence, is also appropriate for students of any age, no matter their background. Thus, young and old, first generation students, or those who need a second chance, this guide is right for them. In addition, information is provided for those who pursue online education or face-to-face teaching. The hard lessons learned by these two educators as professors are highlighted. After years of advising, counseling, and mentoring students, learning what works from what doesn't, observing failures and successes, Dr. Raul F. Prezas and Dr. Paul R. Shockley offer a wide array of tools to support and enable students to maximize their potential towards becoming the leaders we need today for a better tomorrow.