Denison university sat. Denison University Admission Requirements: SAT Scores, GPA, and More

What are the admission requirements for Denison University. What SAT scores and GPA do you need to get in. How selective is Denison University. What should you focus on in your application.

Overview of Denison University Admissions

Denison University, located in Granville, Ohio, is a highly selective liberal arts college with an admission rate of 33.9%. This means that for every 100 applicants, only 34 are admitted, making it a very competitive school to get into. To have a strong chance of admission, applicants need to have above-average academic credentials and a well-rounded application.

When applying to Denison, there are several key factors to focus on:

• GPA and class rank
• SAT or ACT scores
• Strength of high school curriculum
• Extracurricular activities and achievements
• Application essays
• Letters of recommendation

Meeting or exceeding Denison’s average GPA and test score ranges is important, but the admissions process takes a holistic approach. A compelling overall application can sometimes make up for slightly lower numbers in one area.

GPA Requirements for Denison University

The average GPA of admitted students at Denison University is 3.73 on a 4.0 scale. This indicates that successful applicants typically have mostly A’s and B’s on their high school transcripts, with more A’s than B’s.

While Denison doesn’t publish an official minimum GPA requirement, this 3.73 average sets a high bar for applicants. To be competitive, you should aim to be at or above this GPA, especially if you’re applying from a less competitive high school.

How can you achieve a GPA in this range?

• Take challenging courses, including AP, IB, or honors classes if available
• Maintain consistent academic performance throughout high school
• Seek extra help or tutoring in subjects where you struggle
• Develop strong study habits and time management skills

If your GPA is lower than 3.73, don’t despair. A strong upward grade trend, exceptional test scores, or standout extracurricular achievements can sometimes compensate for a slightly lower GPA.

SAT Requirements for Denison University

Denison University’s average SAT score for admitted students is 1300 out of 1600. This breaks down to an average of 660 in Math and 640 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

Here’s a more detailed look at Denison’s SAT score ranges:

• 25th percentile (bottom 25% of admitted students): 1210
• 50th percentile (average): 1300
• 75th percentile (top 25% of admitted students): 1380

While Denison doesn’t have a strict SAT cutoff, scoring below the 25th percentile (1210) will make admission challenging unless other parts of your application are exceptionally strong.

How can you improve your SAT scores?

1. Take practice tests to identify your weak areas
2. Use high-quality study materials and prep courses
3. Focus on improving your weakest sections
4. Consider taking the test multiple times to achieve your best score

Remember that Denison superscores the SAT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across all test dates. This policy allows you to focus on improving one section at a time if needed.

ACT Requirements for Denison University

The average ACT score for admitted students at Denison University is 30 out of 36. This puts Denison in the “Strongly Competitive” category for ACT scores.

Here’s a breakdown of Denison’s ACT score ranges:

• 25th percentile: 28
• 50th percentile (average): 30
• 75th percentile: 32

As with the SAT, while there’s no hard cutoff, scoring below the 25th percentile (28) will make admission difficult without other exceptional qualities in your application.

How can you achieve a competitive ACT score for Denison?

1. Take timed practice tests to build stamina and identify areas for improvement
2. Focus on your weakest subjects, particularly in the Math and Science sections
3. Read widely to improve your reading comprehension and speed
4. Consider working with a tutor or taking a prep course

Denison also superscores the ACT, so you can focus on improving individual sections across multiple test dates if needed.

Denison University’s Test-Optional Policy

It’s important to note that Denison University has a test-optional policy for some applicants. This means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required for all students.

However, the policy can be interpreted in several ways:

• Test scores are recommended but not required for all applicants
• Some applicants may be admitted based solely on their GPA and other factors
• Certain programs or departments may still require test scores

If you have strong test scores, it’s generally advisable to submit them as they can strengthen your application. If your scores are below Denison’s average ranges, you might consider applying test-optional if your other credentials are strong.

Should you submit test scores to Denison?

Consider submitting scores if:

• Your scores are at or above Denison’s average ranges
• Your GPA is slightly below average, but your test scores are strong
• You’re applying to a competitive program that may prefer to see scores

Consider applying test-optional if:

• Your scores are significantly below Denison’s average ranges
• You have an exceptional GPA and strong extracurricular achievements
• You faced challenges that prevented you from taking the tests or achieving your best scores

Application Requirements for Denison University

In addition to meeting GPA and test score expectations, applicants to Denison University need to submit a complete application package. Here are the key components:

1. Common Application or Coalition Application
2. Official high school transcript
3. School report and counselor recommendation
4. Two teacher recommendations
5. SAT or ACT scores (if choosing to submit)
6. Application essay
7. Optional arts supplement (for students with significant artistic achievements)

Denison also offers optional alumni interviews, which can be a great way to learn more about the school and demonstrate your interest.

How can you make your application stand out?

• Craft a compelling personal essay that showcases your unique voice and experiences
• Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths
• Highlight leadership roles and significant achievements in your activities list
• Demonstrate genuine interest in Denison through campus visits, interviews, or other interactions

The Importance of a Strong Academic Profile

While Denison takes a holistic approach to admissions, your academic profile remains a crucial factor. A strong academic record demonstrates your ability to handle college-level work and thrive in a rigorous academic environment.

What does Denison look for in an applicant’s academic profile?

• Challenging course load: Taking AP, IB, or honors classes shows you’re willing to push yourself academically
• Consistent performance: Steady or improving grades throughout high school are viewed favorably
• Strength in core subjects: Strong performance in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language is important
• Academic interests: Demonstrating passion for particular subjects can set you apart

Remember that Denison is looking for students who will contribute to their academic community. Showcasing intellectual curiosity and a love of learning in your application can make a significant impact.

Extracurricular Activities and Personal Qualities

Denison University values well-rounded students who will contribute to campus life beyond academics. Your extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and personal qualities play a significant role in the admissions decision.

What types of extracurricular involvement does Denison value?

• Leadership roles in school or community organizations
• Sustained commitment to particular activities or causes
• Unique talents or skills (e.g., athletics, arts, entrepreneurship)
• Community service and volunteer work
• Work experience or family responsibilities

Quality of involvement is generally more important than quantity. Denison looks for students who have made a significant impact in a few areas rather than those who have superficial involvement in many activities.

How can you showcase your personal qualities in your application?

1. Use your essay to highlight your character, values, and unique perspectives
2. Ensure your recommendations speak to your personal qualities as well as academic abilities
3. If interviewed, let your personality shine through genuine responses
4. Highlight instances where you’ve demonstrated qualities like resilience, creativity, or leadership

Denison seeks students who will contribute to a diverse and vibrant campus community. Authenticity and self-reflection in your application can help you stand out.

Financial Aid and Scholarships at Denison University

Denison University is committed to making education accessible and offers significant financial aid to many students. Understanding the financial aid process can be an important part of your application strategy.

What types of financial aid does Denison offer?

• Need-based aid: Grants, loans, and work-study opportunities based on family income and assets
• Merit scholarships: Awards based on academic achievement, leadership, and other factors
• Talent-based scholarships: Awards for exceptional abilities in areas like fine arts or creative writing

Denison meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, which is a significant commitment to affordability.

How can you maximize your chances of receiving financial aid?

1. Submit your FAFSA and CSS Profile as early as possible
2. Research and apply for Denison’s specific scholarship opportunities
3. Maintain strong academic performance to be competitive for merit aid
4. Highlight special talents or achievements that might qualify you for specific scholarships

Remember that your admissions application is also your application for merit-based scholarships at Denison, so putting your best foot forward academically can have financial benefits as well.

Tips for a Successful Denison University Application

Applying to a selective school like Denison University can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to strengthen your application:

How can you improve your chances of admission to Denison?

1. Start early: Begin preparing your application well in advance of deadlines
2. Focus on academics: Maintain a strong GPA and challenge yourself with difficult courses
3. Prepare thoroughly for standardized tests: Aim for scores in Denison’s top ranges
4. Develop your passions: Engage deeply in extracurricular activities that interest you
5. Craft a compelling essay: Use your personal statement to showcase your unique voice and experiences
6. Demonstrate interest: Visit campus, attend information sessions, or connect with admissions representatives
7. Choose recommenders wisely: Select teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths
8. Apply Early Decision if Denison is your top choice: This can demonstrate your commitment to the school

Remember that the admissions process is holistic. While strong numbers are important, Denison also values personal qualities, diverse perspectives, and potential contributions to their community.

What should you avoid in your Denison application?

• Submitting a generic or rushed essay
• Neglecting to proofread your application materials
• Failing to meet deadlines or submit required documents
• Downplaying your achievements or unique qualities
• Misrepresenting your involvement or accomplishments

By focusing on presenting an authentic, well-prepared application that highlights your strengths and genuine interest in Denison, you can maximize your chances of admission to this prestigious liberal arts college.

Denison University Admission Requirements

What are Denison University’s admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we’ll cover what you need to get into Denison University and build a strong application.

School location: Granville, OH

Admissions Rate: 33.9%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Denison University is 33.9%. For every 100 applicants, 34 are admitted.

This means the school is
very selective. If you meet Denison University’s requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you’ll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

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Denison University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.73

The average GPA at Denison University is 3.73.

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we’ve estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 3.73, Denison University
requires you to be above average in your high school class. You’ll need at least a mix of A’s and B’s, with more A’s than B’s. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you’re able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you’re currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3. 73, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.

Denison University has indicated that the SAT or ACT is required for some applicants. This can mean a few things:

• The SAT or ACT is optional, but recommended by the school to improve your application chances.
• You might be able to get admitted with through your GPA or class ranking alone.
• Only specific departments at the school require the SAT or ACT.

If you’re applying to this and other schools, it’s safest to take the SAT or ACT. This will maximize your chance of getting into the best school possible, especially since most other students will be submitting their scores.

Denison University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.

Average SAT: 1300

The average SAT score composite at Denison University is a 1300 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Denison University Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

Denison University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1210, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1380. In other words, a 1210 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1380 will move you up to above average.

Here’s the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Denison University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Denison University likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 30

The average ACT score at Denison University is 30. This score makes Denison University Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 31.

Even though Denison University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you’ll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 30 and above that a 28 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you’re taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school’s ACT requirement of 31 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you’re happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, in our research, we found that Denison University does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy. To quote their Admissions Office:

Test Optional. Contact School for Information

Source

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Denison University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit.

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

How does superscoring change your test strategy? (Click to Learn)

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Denison University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Denison University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 31, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Studying for the ACT instead? Want to learn how to improve your ACT score by 4 points?

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you’ll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Both the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section.

Denison University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don’t need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you’re applying to may require it.

SAT Subject Test Requirements

Schools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not.

We did not find information that Denison University requires SAT subject tests, and so most likely it does not. At least 6 months before applying, you should still doublecheck just to make sure, so you have enough time to take the test.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission. If you’re able to score a 1380 SAT or a 31 ACT or above, you’ll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as Denison University, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We’ll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1380 SAT or a 31 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Want to build the best possible college application?

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world’s best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We’ve overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Admissions Calculator

What are your chances of admission at Denison University?

Chances of admission with these scores:

Here’s our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.

Pick your test:
SAT
ACT

SAT Score

Your GPA

Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. Instead of treating this tool as a crystal ball, we recommend you consider the big picture of what your chance means:

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Applying to some safety schools will guarantee you have a college to go to, while applying to some reach schools will give you a shot at getting into the school at the top of your range.

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we’ve created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program. We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here’s a summary of why we’re so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses. You don’t waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you’re never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts. PrepScholar’s founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. You’ll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We’ve gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers.

There’s a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program, or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials – high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We’ll cover the exact requirements of Denison University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application
  Accepted
• Universal Application
  Not accepted
• Electronic Application
  Not available
• Essay or Personal Statement
  Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
  2
• Interview
  Not required
• Application Fee
  No fee required for domestic applicants
• Fee Waiver Available?
  None
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT
  Required for some
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing
  Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office
  February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject
  Required Years
• English
  4
• Math
  4
• Science
  4
• Foreign Language
  3
• Social Studies
  2
• History
  1
• Electives
  1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

•  
  • Offered?
    Deadline
    Notification
• Regular Admission
  • Yes
    January 15
    April 1
• Early Action
  • No
• Early Decision
  • Yes
    November 15, January 15
    January 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address:
  100
  Granville, OH 43023
• Phone:
  (740) 587-6276
• Fax:
  (740) 587-6306
• Email:
  [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you’re interested in Denison University, you’ll probably be interested in these schools as well. We’ve divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Denison University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Denison University. If you improve your SAT score, you’ll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you’re competitive for Denison University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you’re currently competitive for Denison University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Denison University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Want to build the best possible college application?

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world’s best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We’ve overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

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Apply for Admission | Admission & Financial Aid

An overview of the application process, including a checklist and deadlines, for Denison University.

We Are Thrilled That You Are Considering Denison During Your College Search

We look forward to getting to know more about you through this process!

We Make It Easy!

Our admission policies reflect our commitment to providing equal access to a phenomenal Denison education:

Apply Now!

First-year students interested in Denison must submit an application through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Don’t fret, there is no difference in how we evaluate application types.

Transfer students should complete the Denison Transfer Application. Learn More »

Admission Rounds & Deadlines

For first-year applicants, we have early decision and regular decision.

– Early Decision 1: November 15
– Early Decision 2: January 15
– Regular Decision: January 15

Transfer applicant? Deadlines are a little different. Learn More »

Regardless of when an admission decision is released, all admission decisions become final and official on April 1. Any appeals must be submitted prior to April 1.

Related Links

Admission Application 101

In evaluating your application to Denison, we take a number of things into consideration about you as an individual. We are seeking students who have demonstrated a seriousness toward their academic life and who, in addition, would bring a variety of interests, characteristics, and personal qualities to our dynamic campus community.

What We’ll Need from You

• Common Application or Coalition Application (required): Once you submit your application, you will be emailed a confirmation that includes login information for your online portal (where you can keep track of your other application materials). A personal essay is included in this application.
• Early Decision Agreement (only required for early decision applicants): This binding contract signed by you, a parent/guardian, and your high school counselor confirms as an early decision applicant that if admitted, you will enroll at Denison and withdraw any other applications.
• Interview (recommended): An interview is not required for admission consideration, but we do encourage applicants to complete one as an interview can provide a more personal element to your application. Interviews happen in a number of ways.
  Learn More »
• ACT/SAT Scores (optional): Denison is test-optional. Test scores can be submitted directly from a testing agency, through official high school transcripts, or test scores can be self-reported. Any test scores submitted will be superscored.
• Arts Supplement (optional): Students who have an interest in cinema, creative writing, dance, music, studio art, or theatre may submit supplementary arts materials for faculty evaluation. If submitted, students will be eligible to receive a departmental scholarship. This is done through the Denison Applicant Portal, which is available once the Common or Coalition Application has been submitted.

What We’ll Need from Others

• Counselor Recommendation & School Report (required): The applicant’s counselor submits these documents directly to us.
  *Home-schooled applicants should reference ‘home-schooled applicant’ recommendations below.
• High School Transcript (required): Your counselor must send us a copy of your official transcript. We will use this to recalculate your GPA and evaluate your academic performance and course selection.
• Teacher Evaluation (required): At least one teacher of a core course must submit a teacher evaluation form for you. You can invite your teachers to do this online, which is how they will submit the evaluation to us.
  *Home-schooled applicants should reference ‘home-schooled applicant’ recommendations below.
• Home-Schooled Applicant Recommendations (only required for home-schooled applicants): These recommendations must come from adults not related to you (unless a family member was your primary instructor). One reference should be a teacher, and the other should be from someone affiliated with one of your extracurricular activities.

Questions? Check out our Admission FAQ

All offers of admission are conditional based on Denison’s Conditions of Admission policy.

Denison University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.

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Read online “Atomic Habits. How to Make Good Habits and Get Rid of Bad Habits, by James Clear – Litres

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Copyright © 2018 by James Clear 8 * * *

On the last day of my second year of high school, I was hit in the face with a baseball bat. When my classmate was swinging, the bat slipped out of his hand, flew in my direction and hit right between the eyes. I don’t remember the moment of impact.

The blow was so strong that the nose was broken in two places and acquired a horseshoe shape. In addition, I received a craniocerebral injury – a contusion of the soft tissues of the head and several cracks in the skull. Immediately after the stroke, I began to develop cerebral edema. Thus, in a fraction of a second, I had a broken nose, several cracks in the skull, and fractures of both eye sockets.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that people were running towards me to help me. Looking down, I noticed red spots on my clothes. One of my classmates tore off his T-shirt and handed it to me. I used it to stop the blood that gushed from my broken nose. Shocked and confused, I did not realize how seriously injured I had received.

My teacher put his arm around my shoulders and we started the long walk to the nurse’s office, across the field, down the hill, and finally entered the school. Someone’s hands supported me, not letting me fall. We were in no hurry and walked slowly. No one realized that there was not a minute to lose.

When we finally got to the nurse’s office, she started asking me questions.

– What year is it now?

– 1998, I answered. Actually it was 2002.

– Who is the President of the United States?

“Bill Clinton,” I said. The correct answer was George Bush Jr.

– What is your mother’s name?

“Uh… Mmm…” I stuttered. Ten seconds have passed. “Patty,” I said nonchalantly, trying to ignore the fact that it took me ten seconds to remember my own mother’s name.

This is the last question I remember. My body was unable to cope with the rapidly spreading cerebral edema, and I passed out even before the ambulance arrived. A few minutes later, I was carried out of the school building and taken to the local hospital.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, my body stopped working. He struggled with basic functions such as swallowing and breathing. It was the first seizure that day. Then I completely stopped breathing. When the doctors put me on a ventilator, they concluded that the local hospital was not well equipped to treat such a severe case, and they called in a helicopter to take me to a larger hospital in Cincinnati.

I was wheeled out of the emergency room on a gurney and taken to a helipad across the road. The stroller rumbled along the uneven pavement, one of the nurses pushing it in front of her while the other manually controlled my every breath. My mother, who had rushed to the hospital a few minutes earlier, sat next to me in a helicopter. During the flight, she held my hand, but I did not regain consciousness and could not breathe on my own.

While my mother accompanied me on the flight, my father went home to look after my brother and sister and tell them the terrible news. He fought back tears as he explained to his sister that he would not be able to attend her eighth grade graduation that evening. The father took the brother and sister to relatives, got into the car and drove to Cincinnati to join the mother.

When the helicopter with us landed on the roof of the hospital, a team of about twenty doctors and nurses was already waiting on the site, who took me to the trauma ward. By this point, the cerebral edema had become so severe that I had several post-traumatic seizures. Broken bones needed to be fixed, but in my condition, any surgical intervention was contraindicated. After another seizure—the third that day—I was put into an induced coma and still connected to a ventilator.

Parents have been to this hospital before. Ten years earlier, they had been in this building on the ground floor when my three-year-old sister was diagnosed with leukemia. I was five years old at the time, and my brother had just turned six months old. Two and a half years later, after several sessions of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and multiple trephine biopsies, my little sister finally left the hospital, happy, healthy, and cancer free. And now, after ten years of a quiet life, my parents are again in the same place, but with a different child.

After I was put into a coma, the hospital called in a priest and a social worker to comfort my parents. It was the same priest who had spoken to them that evening ten years ago when they found out my sister had cancer.

When day turned into night, my life was supported only by appliances. The parents slept restlessly in the hospital bed, now falling asleep from exhaustion, now waking up from the anxiety that ate them. Mom later told me that it was one of the worst nights of her life.

My recovery

Fortunately, the next morning my respiratory function was restored, and the doctors decided to bring me out of an artificial coma. When I came to, I discovered that I had lost my sense of smell. As a test, one of the nurses asked me to exhale sharply through my nose and sniff a carton of open apple juice. My sense of smell returned, but – to the amazement of everyone around – a sharp exhalation through the nose caused the air to go through the cracks in the eye sockets and practically pushed out my left eye. The eyeball protruded from the socket and was held in place only by the eyelid and the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain.

The ophthalmologist said that the eye would gradually return to its place as air was released from the socket, but he could not say exactly how long this would take. The surgery was scheduled a week later, and during this time I had to recover a bit. I looked like I had been unsuccessful in a boxing match, but I was allowed to leave the hospital. I returned home with a broken nose, half a dozen facial fractures, and a protruding left eye.

The following months were very difficult. I felt like everything in my life was on pause. For several weeks I had double vision; I literally couldn’t concentrate on anything. In the end, the eye returned to its place, but this process took more than a month. Due to seizures and vision problems, he was able to drive a car again only after eight months. In physical therapy, I learned basic movements, such as walking in a straight line. I was determined not to let the injury bring me down, but there were many situations along the way to rehab where I felt hopeless and desperate.

The painful realization of how many challenges I still had to overcome came a year later when I returned to the baseball field. Baseball has always been a very important part of my life. My father played in Minor League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, and I also dreamed of playing professionally. After months of rehab, there was nothing I wanted more than a return to baseball.

But the return was far from easy. When the season started, I was the only junior to be kicked off the college baseball team. I was sent to the junior team, where those who were in their second year of study played. I’ve been playing baseball since I was four years old, and for someone who has devoted so much time and effort to the sport, being kicked off the team was humiliating. I remember very well the day it happened. I sat in the car, crying and trying in vain to find a song on the radio that would at least slightly improve my mood.

After a year of self-doubt and self-doubt, I was finally able to join the alumni team, but rarely took to the field. In total, I played eleven innings with this team, which is a little more than one full game.

Despite not having a brilliant career in the high school team, I still believed that I could become a great player. And I realized that the only person who could achieve positive changes was myself. The turning point came two years after my injury, when I entered Denison University. It was the beginning of a new life, and college was where I first discovered the amazing power of small habits.

How I learned about habits

Going to college was one of the best decisions of my life. I got a place on the baseball team and, despite being at the bottom of the list as a rookie, I was happy. Despite the difficulties of my high school years, I was still able to become a member of the college sports team.

Anyway, I wasn’t going to start a full-time baseball team for the foreseeable future, so I focused on getting my life in order. My classmates stayed up late and spent a lot of time playing video games; I, on the other hand, developed healthy sleep habits and went to bed early every night. Being in a sleazy student dorm environment, I paid special attention to keeping the room clean and tidy. These habit changes were minimal, but they gave me a sense of control over my life. I regained a sense of confidence. And this growing self-confidence extended to my studies – I improved my habits in this area as well and was able to achieve the highest grades at the end of the first year of study.

A habit is a behavior or action that is repeated regularly, and in most cases automatically. As I progressed through each semester, I accumulated small but persistent habits that eventually led to results that I didn’t even dare to dream of at the beginning of my studies. For example, for the first time in my life, I got into the habit of lifting barbells several times a week, and over the following years I gained significant weight, going from a feather-light young man weighing 77 kg to an athletic man weighing 90 kg (at six feet and four inches – 193 cm).

When my second season came around, I was the top pitcher. By the beginning of my third year, I was chosen as the team captain, and at the end of the season I was selected to play in the national team. But in general, my new habits in the field of sleep, study and strength training began to bear real fruit only in the last year of training.

Six years after I was hit in the face with a baseball bat, hospitalized and induced into an induced coma, I was hailed as the top male athlete at Denison University and made a player on the ESPN American Collegiate Team, an honor bestowed on just 33 players nationwide. By the time I graduated, I was listed in the college record book in eight different categories. In the same year, I was awarded the university’s highest award, the rector’s medal.

I hope readers will forgive me if my story seems conceited to them. To be honest, there were no legendary or historical achievements in my sports career. I never became a professional player. Nevertheless, looking back on those years, I think that I have achieved a very important result, I have revealed my potential. And I am confident that the concept presented in this book will help my readers discover theirs as well.

We face challenges throughout our lives. The injury was such a challenge for me, and the experience of rehabilitation was the most important lesson: I realized that changes that at first glance seem unimportant and insignificant can lead to impressive results if you stick to certain habits for a long time. We all experience setbacks and relapses, but in the long run, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our habits. Keeping habits, you will achieve stable results. But if you change them for the better, endless possibilities will open up before you.

Perhaps there are people who can make incredible progress in one day. But personally I don’t know such people, and I’m certainly not one of them. There wasn’t a single turning point in my journey from induced coma to being a player on an American varsity team; there were many such moments. It was a gradual evolution, a long series of small victories and tiny achievements. The only way to make progress—and my only choice—was a strategy of small steps. And I adopted the same strategy a few years later when I started my own business and started working on this book.

How and why I wrote this book

In November 2012, I started publishing articles on jamesclear.com. For many years I have been taking notes on my experiments with habits and finally felt ready to share some of the results with other people. I started by posting a new article every Monday and Thursday. Within a few months, this simple habit led to my first thousand subscribers, and by the end of 2013 there were more than thirty thousand people.

In 2014, the number of subscribers exceeded 100 thousand, making it one of the fastest growing resources on the Web. I felt like an impostor when I started blogging two years earlier, but now I’m slowly becoming known as an expert on habits, a new quality that on the one hand makes me feel pleasantly excited, but, on the other hand, creates a certain discomfort for me. I never considered myself a true expert on the subject, rather someone who experimented with readers.

In 2015, I reached two hundred thousand subscribers, and I signed a contract with Penguin Random House to start work on the book you are reading now. Along with my audience, my opportunities grew and business connections expanded. Increasingly, I’ve been asked to speak at major companies about the science of habit formation, behavior change, and continuous improvement. I have made presentations at conferences in the US and Europe.

In 2016, my articles began to be published regularly in such well-known media as Time, Entrepreneur and Forbes. Incredibly, more than eight million people read my publications in a year. Coaches in the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball began reading my articles and sharing my observations with their teams.

In early 2017, I launched a new project, the Habits Academy, which has become the leading learning platform for companies and individuals interested in building better habits in life and work ^[1] . Fortune Global 500 companies and emerging startups have begun enrolling their leaders and training staff in the Academy. Altogether, more than 10,000 executives, managers, coaches, and educators have graduated, and working with them has given me a wealth of information about how much effort it takes to make habits work in real life.

Now that I am finishing this book in 2018, jamesclear. com has millions of visitors a month and my weekly mailing list has over five hundred thousand subscribers; this number far exceeds my expectations. When I started this project, I did not dare to dream of such a thing.

Why this book is useful

Entrepreneur and investor Naval Ravikant said, “In order to write a great book, you must first become one yourself.” Initially, I was inspired by the ideas that were later presented in this book, because I was convinced of their correctness from my own experience. I had to trust small habits to rehab after an injury, get results in the gym, be a great baseball player, become a writer, create a successful business, and just become an adult and responsible person. Little habits have helped me reach my potential; since you are reading this book, I assume that you also want to realize your potential.

In the following pages, I will share with you a step-by-step plan for building better habits—not for a week or a month, but for a lifetime. While everything here has a scientific basis, this book is not an academic study; it’s more of a work guide. First of all, you will receive the necessary knowledge and practical advice on how to form and change habits, and in an understandable and accessible form.

The scientific disciplines I referred to – biology, neurology, philosophy, psychology, and others – have been around for many years. In essence, I offer my readers a synthesis of the best ideas that scientists formulated years ago and the most important discoveries made in recent years. It seems to me that my contribution lies in the fact that I chose the most significant ideas and combined them for the most effective application in practice. All the wise ideas you will find in this book are due to my predecessors. All stupid things can be considered my mistakes.

This book is based on my four-stage model of habits—stimulus, desire, response, and reward—and the four laws of behavior change that follow from those four stages. Readers with specialized knowledge of psychology may be familiar with some of these terms from the theory of operant conditioning; These terms were first proposed by B. F. Skinner in the 1930s and have become widely known relatively recently in the combination “signal-routine-reward” thanks to the book “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg.

Behavioral scientists, including Skinner, understood that if you offer the right reward or punishment, you can make a person behave in a certain way. However, while Skinner’s model was excellent at explaining how external stimuli affect behavior, it lacked a compelling explanation of how thoughts, feelings, and beliefs influence behavior. Internal states – moods and emotions – also play a significant role. In recent decades, scientists have begun to recognize the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In this book, we will focus on the results of these studies.

In general, I offer readers an integrated model of cognitive and behavioral research. I believe that this is one of the first models of human behavior that equally takes into account the impact on habits of external stimuli and internal experiences. Although the presentation is relatively informal, I am convinced that the details—and the ways in which the Four Laws of Behavior Change are applied—will offer readers an entirely new perspective on habits.

Human behavior is constantly changing: from situation to situation, from moment to moment, from second to second. But this book is primarily about what remains unchanged. These are the foundations of human behavior. Timeless principles you can rely on for the long term. Ideas on the basis of which you can develop a business, start a family, build your life. There is no one right way to form the best habits, but this book describes the best approach I know of – an approach that will work no matter where you start from and what you want to change. The strategy that I propose is suitable for anyone who seeks gradual self-improvement, whether your goals are primarily related to health, money, personal effectiveness, relationships, or all of the above. As long as the focus remains on behavior change, this book will be your guide to action.

Spent. The Ultimate GTA Story read online by David Kushner (Page 3)

They especially liked Def Jam Recordings: an American music label that has already gained popularity among smart kids all over the world. The company, which a punk rocker named Rick Rubin founded in an NYU dorm, has become the hottest and most successful startup in the burgeoning East Coast rap scene. Rubin, along with his partner, club promoter Russell Simmons, began distributing singles featuring the latest tracks throughout New York City. A unique and powerful combination: Rubin was a white Jewish kid from Long Island, and Simmons was a black kid from Queens. They combined their love of rap and rock and brought their musicians into the mainstream, like a brash kid named LL Cool J and a trio of cheeky white rappers, the Beastie Boys.

But Rubin and Simmons had more than just great taste. Def Jam pioneered guerrilla marketing [Guerrilla marketing refers to low-cost ways to promote a product like flyers or street ads. Nowadays, guerrilla marketing also includes social media promotion. — Approx. per.] new generation. Its founders came from the slums, where both punk rockers and rappers had to advertise themselves on the streets, relying on word of mouth. Simmons promoted his musicians in every possible way – “running the track,” as he called it. The boys slapped buildings and lampposts with Def Jam logo stickers in large Ds and Js. They threw parties all over New York City and carefully crafted every gig, not shy about using extravagant props like huge inflatable penises at Beastie Boys shows.

Loyal fans like Sam not only bought Def Jam records, but adopted their lifestyle. When Rubin released Slayer’s single Reign in Blood, Sam bought it willingly, along with the Def Jam patch he wore with pride. He could talk about his idols endlessly. His mouth wouldn’t close, his words would fly out like bullets from a Missile Command game, his arms would swing in all directions, and his head would bobble to the beat as if he couldn’t contain his boundless love of pop culture.

“I think Rick Rubin is just fucking,” Sam rattled off. “He was a trailblazer, doing everything from hip hop to The Cult records [British rock band founded in 1919].81 year. — Approx. per.]. How he made their album Electric! These rockers from Newcastle – and Rick Rubin with his production in the style of hard street hip-hop! And then he suddenly started working with one of the heaviest rock bands – Slayer! And I’m like: “This guy can’t get any cooler, it’s impossible.” And he continues to amaze … I am very inspired by such people.

It is important that Def Jam were from New York. Sam deeply admired this city, its fashion, culture and music. During the day he was forced to wear the strict uniform of St. Paul’s, but in the evenings he dressed like a New Yorker. He sat in his room full of vinyl records and videos and weaved thick shoelaces for himself, like rappers in New York. It was not just a naive love of fashion – he liked the outsiders from the outskirts who forever changed the culture.

On Sam’s eighteenth birthday, his father took him to New York. Immediately after arriving, Sam bought himself a leather jacket and Air Jordan Mach 4 shoes that he had seen on MTV. He wandered the open world of the city center, immersed in its sights and sounds. Yellow taxis. Towering buildings. Angry pedestrians. Prostitutes in Times Square. “That day I fell in love with this place forever,” he later recalled.

Sam’s father soon invited him to lunch with his friend Heinz Henn, the marketing director of Bertelsmann’s German music label, Navy. The Navy, Henn explained, couldn’t make money off the youth and its culture. Sam sat and listened, and soon broke into the conversation.

— Why is everyone so old in the music business? – he asked. – Why are there no young people there?

Henn goggled at this rich white guy dressed as a member of Run DMC and then turned to Sam’s father. But what does this quick-tempered, but self-confident kid imagine about himself?

“Your son is a complete psycho,” Heinz told him, “but he has good ideas.

Sam has just found a job.

Chapter 2. Warriors

…

UNLOCKED RANDOM CHARACTER: JACK THOMPSON

Go to badge J in Beverly Hills. Find Jack Thompson. He’s 41, he’s from Miami. Advocate. Golfer. Future father.

I have a 12 gauge shotgun.
I turned off the headlights of my car.
To make a couple of shots here,
And bang a couple of police creatures.

On July 16, 1992, these lines were read from the stage in Beverly Hills, not by their author, rapper Ice-T, but by Charlton Heston, the famous square-jawed actor. Heston, best known for his role as Moses in The Ten Commandments, came to the Regent Beverly Wilshire on that day for another higher purpose: to blast this very track, Cop Killer, in his booming voice and demand that it be banned.

The occasion was the annual shareholders meeting of Time Warner, which owned the record label. Cop Killer, released in March, became the subject of national controversy: it was openly condemned by the police and President Bush. Ice-T, who wrote the track in the wake of the Rodney King riots [Rodney King is a black US citizen whose beating by police provoked riots in Los Angeles. — Approx. trans.], defended his work as an honest portrayal of a character tired of police brutality.

The shareholders present seemed to believe everything Heston said. As he bellowed the chorus, “Die, die, pig [The word ‘pig’ is a disrespectful word for police officers in the US. — Approx. per.], die! ”, One of the people watched the performance in awe: Jack Thompson. A zealous Catholic and Republican, Thompson looked like a schoolboy dressed as in a graduation photo album. He wore pressed suits, his already graying hair was combed neatly, and his blue eyes shone. He felt the tension of the moment. Heston, as Thompson later put it, “lit the fuse of the culture war”. And this young warrior was ready to fight.

Thompson hardly seemed belligerent in front of the National Rifle Association supporter on the stage. A scrawny, straight-A student from Cleveland, he was so nearsighted that he ran after balls that didn’t exist at Minor League baseball games. Teammates hated him. “It traumatized me,” he later recalled. And one day Thompson snapped. He went to his garage, spilled gasoline on the floor, scattered caps all over the place and pounded them with a hammer until they exploded.

Thompson was not hurt – he even liked the thrill. At eighteen, as a liberal supporter of Robert Kennedy, he faced death threats and tire punctures after leading a student movement against housing segregation. He listened to the group Crosby, Stills and Nash [Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – a musical group from among the supergroups (i.e. groups with a very famous line-up), working mainly in the style of folk rock. — Approx. trans.] and hosted a radio broadcast at Denison University.

But the Ripper grew inside Jack. When a student from the leftist Black Panther organization replaced the American flag at the school with a flag with the slogan “Black Power”, Thompson approached him.

— What are you doing? Jack asked. We have a common American flag!

The guy pointed a machete at Thompson. He retreated, literally and philosophically.

“The time was radical, I had to choose a side,” he later recalled. – I was conservative in everything that concerned the madness of political correctness.

With a book by William Buckley under his arm, Thompson, along with his classmate Al Gore — Approx. trans.] entered the law school of Vanderbilt University. Instead of attending classes, Jack preferred to play golf and, despite being a member of Phi Beta Kappa, [Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest honorary student society (originally a fraternity) in the United States of America, founded on December 5, 1776. A public organization of students of higher educational institutions, to be a member of which is a great honor for students. — Approx. per.], failed in the exams. After moving to Miami and feeling like a loser, Jack and a friend went to a church service where everyone was dressed in shorts and T-shirts. Thompson felt at home and as if reborn. Before taking his exams again, he prayed and, having successfully recovered at the university, he took this as a sign from God that it was time to go on a crusade.

In 1987, having heard on the air of a local shock jockey [Shock-jockey (eng. shock-jockey) — provocative host who, by skillful questioning, spins people into revelations or provocative actions. — Approx. trans.], Thompson was surrounded by law books. After carefully studying the situation, he discovered a little-known fact: the Federal Communications Commission was authorized to regulate the air for obscenity, and this station seemed to be violating the standards in many ways. After Thompson filed the first such complaint with the commission, an enraged shock jockey spoke Jack’s name and phone number over the air. Thompson was bombarded with death threats, false pizza orders, and visits from the local press—for one night he became Miami’s top advocacy star.

Confident, unflappable, and sharp-tongued, Thompson lived up to the character masterfully, faxing complaints to corporations until they took their ads off the air. The radio station sued Thompson, but he won the case and defended the right to put pressure on advertisers and the commission under the protection of the First Amendment. His hard work went down in history when a federal commission fined the radio station where the shock jockey worked for obscenity – it was the first precedent of its kind in history. Thompson took this as an obvious divine intervention. “God’s people became an army by praying with me,” he later wrote in his memoirs.

But he managed to make enemies. Based on the station’s allegations that Thompson was obsessed with pornography, the Florida State Bar convinced the State Supreme Court to determine whether Thompson was mentally ill.