General reading is an enjoyable pastime and a great way to build vocabulary and communication skills. Beyond reading for pleasure, wider reading beyond the school curriculum enhances critical thinking, broadens subject knowledge, and demonstrates intellectual curiosity. These are key qualities that universities value in applicants. The suggestions below are simply a starting point and there are plenty of books to satisfy any style of reader, but the most important thing is to start. We recommend books that are applicable to your future studies and/or interesting to you. Many universities have recommendations for the course or major you are applying for, you can find them by searching "(insert university name) suggested reading list for (insert particular course)."Â
Cambridge University *
Super-Curricular Reading Suggestions
Georgia Tech University Library
Summer Reading Recommendations for 2022
The Guardian
10 Books that Changed the World
The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century
Harvard Library
23 Books to Read this Summer
NACAC - National Association for College Admissions Counseling
College Admissions Decoded Podcast
NPR
Your Favorites: 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels
Oxford University
Suggested Subject Resources
TIME Magazine
All-TIME 100 Nonfiction Books
All-TIME 100 Novels
*Additional ideas of further reading (a.k.a super-curriculars) are also included within s Further Resources portion of the UK section of the Post-Secondary Options within this handbook. Further suggestions are also included in the UK Interview Preparation Workshops that are held each year. The resources from these workshops are within each student's google classroom page.
*If you are considering a competitive course in the U.K., then keep in mind that a specific test might be required. Please see our U.K. Standardized Testing Page for further detail.