Approaching College with Purpose focuses on the importance of students beginning their educational journey with intention, developing good habits, creating a strong mindset, and acquiring strategies to ensure a successful transition to college. Delivered with a concise, approachable, and modern tone that respects students, the text and student journal emphasize the importance of communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Ideal for First-Year Experience and College Success programs, the text and student journal are designed to acknowledge and respect students' unique perspectives, focus on students owning their experience, put the emphasis on communication, especially writing, and provide just-in-time skill-building resources. The content provides an integrated approach to life skills, academic success, and well-being, with a focus on building lifelong skills.

Written by educators, with a unique perspective from a student-author, the textbook and student journal are based on decades of teaching and research, designed to create a transformative experience for students. It promotes self-reflection, mindset, and diversity, with the ultimate goal of setting students on a path toward owning their experiences, and approaching college, and life, with purpose.