The whole college experience — from the very beginning of selecting a college to the very end of finally graduating — can be daunting at times.

"College Sense: What College and High School Advisors Don't Tell You About College" (iUniverse, $14.95), written by Tawan Perry, is a guide for helping students navigate through the process.

Perry, who started at a community college, worked his way up to earn a master's degree in higher education administration.

Perry feels like he's spent enough time in the system to become an expert at how it works, and he wants to share the ins and outs with students and parents.

"It takes an institution to graduate a student, but it takes the student to demand it out of the institution. It's a partnership between the student and the institution," Perry said.

"College Sense" is an easy read and contains essential information to succeeding in college. Perry writes about a wide range of topics, from how to choose the right major to how to reduce and eliminate your debt. Each chapter has a list of questions that Perry addresses within the chapter. Perry also provides questions to ask advisers, professors and during campus visits.

Top 3 tips for applying to college

1. Do your research. A college that fits your friend may not be the perfect fit for you.

2. Figure out if the environment is conducive to your academic as well as social well-being.

3. Apply for as much financial aid as you can. Remember your funds can come from multiple places.

Top 3 tips for arriving at college

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

2. Learn how to balance your time.

3. Take advantage of college resources.

Top 3 tips for studying

1. Form study groups.

2. Try to study on a consistent basis — a little each day makes a difference.

3. Get to know your professors — they're there to help you.

Contact this reporter at awray.DaytonDailyNews.com.