What is Study Hacks?

The Study Hacks blog explores strategies for building a remarkable life — one that’s accomplished and engaging, but also relaxed and enjoyable to live. It rejects the idea that extreme success and extreme stress are inextricably connected. It seeks, instead, examples of people who love their life while simultaneously being well-respected (and well-rewarded) for what they do.

The blog was started to provide this style of advice to college students. It’s original mission was “to teach students how to do (very) well without burning out,” and it drew from the philosophy I laid out in my two popular advice guides How to Become a Straight-A Student (Random House, 2006) and How to Win at College (Random House, 2005).

Though Study Hacks remains true to this mission today, it has also expanded its scope to cover these issues for readers of all ages and situations. Around half of the content is student-specific, while the other half is applicable to anyone interested in building a remarkable life.

If you’re new to the site, this article is a good introduction to the type of advice you can find here…

Where Did You Come From?

Study Hacks was launched in the summer of 2007 by me (aka., Cal Newport). At the time I was a PhD student at MIT. I am now a postdoc at the same school and am (hopefully) en route to a life as a genial, advice-spewing professor. Since its original launch, Study Hacks has grown into the largest student advice blog on the web.

How Do I Contact You?

I’m a bit of a communication recluse (I’m not on Twitter or Facebook, and generally view e-mail with suspicion), but I make an exception for struggling students. If this describes you, please feel free to e-mail me at author [at] calnewport.com.

I try to answer every question, but it can sometimes take me several weeks to get back to you. Also, be forewarned: your question might end up in one of my regular Q & A posts (anonymously, of course).

Do You Really Give Your Ad Revenue to Charity?

In the Fall of 2009 I added limited advertisements to my site for the first time. I’m happy to announce the following policy: I will donate 50% of all post-tax advertising revenue to charity. Specifically, I’m targeting charities that help underprivileged students gain access to college and then thrive once there.

I’ll soon be launching a new page dedicated to this program, listing the charities I’m supporting and the exact amounts donated to date.

Stay tuned for this announcement…

Do You Do Talks or Media Appearances?

Yes. Sometimes. Here’s my experience: I’ve appeared as a college expert on ABC, CBS, NBC, and on over 50 radio programs. I’ve also given talks at high schools and universities, including MIT, Dartmouth, and Harvard. I’m always happy to discuss opportunities. You can reach me at the e-mail address given above.