HOW TO HACK COLLEGE by Marshall Boen and Marcus Lo

9/20/2026

CUT COSTS IN HALF & BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS

Debut authors Marshall Boen and Marcus Lo introduce us to their book, “How to Hack College”:
THE #1 BOOK FOR SAVING TIME AND MONEY WHILE EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION IN THE USA.

Accelerate Your Success: Slash your education costs, fast-track your degree, and land your dream career faster than you ever thought possible!
Your Roadmap to College & Career Success: Get crystal-clear on whether college is right for you, pick the perfect major, unlock scholarships, secure funding, and gain the life and financial skills you need to thrive.
No More Roadblocks — Just Results: We simplify the college process, eliminate confusion, and show you exactly how to overcome every challenge standing between you and your future success.

"A BETTER, FASTER, MORE AFFORDABLE WAY TO EARN A COLLEGE DEGREE AND JUMPSTART YOUR SUCCESS"
Tested and Proven Strategies:
For five years we have relentlessly researched, tested, and refined the most effective strategies to help students graduate faster, cut costs, and gain real-world skills. This book is the ultimate blueprint for college success-packed with proven methods to make your college journey smarter, faster, and more affordable.
Who It’s For:

High school students and families navigating the college process
College students who want to save money, time, and frustration
Educators, counselors, and schools looking to boost student outcomes
Anyone considering college who wants to maximize their success

Top 10 Things You’ll Learn in How to Hack College
1. Get Ahead Before You Even Start
Earn college credits in high school through dual enrollment, AP, CLEP, and summer classes—so you have a massive headstart on your peers.
2. Choose the Right College and Major for You
Decide if college is right for you, and pick the best school and major to achieve your long-term goals.
3. Boost Your Chances of Getting Accepted Into a Top College
Step-by-step guidance for building strong college applications and writing standout essays.
4. Learn How to Pay for College the Smart Way
Get a clear plan for navigating financial aid, grants, student loans, and winning scholarships so you know exactly how to pay for your education with less stress and confusion.
5. Graduate Faster and Cut Costs
Tested and proven strategies for graduating faster and saving money throughout college.
6. Manage Your Time, Energy, and Focus
Habits and systems you can use to balance school, work, and life with less stress and more success.
7. Learn Transformational Life & Financial Skills
Gain essential real-world skills—become a positive member of society, create lasting friendships, manage your finances, live a healthy life, and develop personal discipline.
8. Gain Experience Before You Graduate
Get internships, part-time work, and leadership experience that opens doors.
9. Launch Your Career
Network, build a résumé, find your dream job, get hired, and advance rapidly—right out of school.
10. Graduate with a Head Start in Life
Start your adult life with clarity, confidence, and momentum.
About The Authors
We’re Marshall Boen and Marcus Lo. We wrote this book to share the strategies we wish we had when starting college. Marshall’s path included overcoming learning disabilities and graduating in just two years from the University of Tampa while working part-time, and training for ultra-endurance events—including two 140.6-mile Ironman triathlons. Marcus faced the loss of both parents at a young age and found strength through academics, entrepreneurship, and wrestling—eventually earning his degrees from USC on a full scholarship. Today, we help students and their families navigate the college process with less stress and more success.

Fabulous book! I might have finished college if I knew half the stuff in this book. It's not just for college; it should be required reading for anyone in the ninth or tenth grade. It will prepare every student to succeed in life if the principles and plans are utilized.

Marshall Boen Marcus Lo

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/HOW-TO-HACK-COLLEGE-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-how-to-hack-college
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/how-to-hack-college
https://www.audible.com/How-to-Hack-College-Audiobook
https://open.spotify.com/how-to-hack-college

You can connect with the authors:
https://www.atlasclass.com
https://www.youtube.com/@AtlasClass

Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the authors’ introduction.

29 Comments

Marshall Psalms Boen link

9/21/2026 07:18:51 am

Hello Mark, it has been an incredible journey publishing this book with my good friend Marcus. It has been a long road and a lot of hard work, but seeing how much the book has helped students and families has made it all worth it. Marcus and I have been very blessed to have received wonderful educations, largely on scholarships, and want to give back as much as we can to help as many people as possible reach their life goals.

Mark

9/21/2026 10:46:20 am

Writing a good book is hard work! When buyers love it and use the information to improve their lives, that must be so gratifying for you and Marcus.

First question.

Can you please tell us more about yourself? Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

Marshall P Boen link

9/21/2026 11:33:07 am

I just returned from a crazy adventure in Russia, where I climbed Mt. Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. Earlier this year, I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, and helped a group of blind veterans reach the summit. Those men were incredibly inspirational, and both experiences were truly life-changing. My gratitude for having the opportunity to participate in both adventures cannot be expressed in words.

I learned at a young age that if you want to become everything God intended you to be, you have to push yourself far beyond your comfort zone—and that's going to hurt. However, doing so will make you better able to overcome adversity when it comes. Equally important, you will be better equipped to help others when they are struggling. I give my parents a lot of credit for pushing me forward and teaching me this valuable lesson.

Like you, Mark, I am a big reader. I often think of my life like a book, and I want my life to be a story worth reading. My ultimate goal is for every chapter to be deeply meaningful and full of growth until the book is truly complete.

9/21/2026 01:07:07 pm

Mountain climbing is exciting! Those kinds of adventures are life-altering. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal and spiritual growth. God always calls us to new adventures in Him. He has wonderful plans for our lives.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

New question.

Are you a full-time writer or a part-time writer and still in the working world?

9/21/2026 08:16:41 pm

I am very blessed to be able to manage my family's real estate portfolio full-time. I work remotely and have automated most of my day-to-day responsibilities, which gives me incredible freedom to pursue passion projects like this book and go on adventures.

I'll admit that this book will likely never turn a profit. It has taken an incredible amount of time, energy, and money to get it to where it is today, but I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help students and their families. Coaching students is far more profitable and has helped cover some of the costs associated with the book, but we still have a long way to go.

For your audience, we also offer a variety of completely free resources that can help students and families plan for college, reduce costs, and make better-informed decisions: https://www.atlasclass.com/resources

9/22/2026 08:21:07 am

Real estate is an amazing wealth builder. There is a limited supply of land.

Few books pay their way, much less make a profit. Books can serve as a doorway or introduction to other opportunities and thus fill an important role.

Thank you for sharing the link to your website. To use that link, copy and paste it into a browser or use the hotlink above at the bottom of my review. College financing is so convoluted that your service will be welcomed by many.

New question.

What inspired you to write How to Hack College, and what problem were you trying to solve for students and families?

9/22/2026 11:38:08 am

While in college, my goal was to save as much time and money as possible because I wanted to get out into the real world rather than spend four years in a classroom.

During my first semester, I did some quick math and calculated that I could theoretically complete my undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship in two years instead of the traditional four, even though I did not have any transfer credits. I thought it was probably beyond my capacity, but I decided to go for it. I told everyone about my goal and explained why I was taking 27 credits most semesters, compared with a normal course load of around 12–16 credits.

I worked incredibly hard and ultimately graduated with high honors. I also stayed on the straight and narrow throughout college. I did not drink or use drugs, which helped me stay healthy, disciplined, and focused on what I wanted to accomplish.

After graduating with my B.S. in Entrepreneurship in half the traditional time and at roughly half the cost, many parents, friends, and professors encouraged me to write a book explaining how I did it. I knew I needed some additional support with the project, and Marcus had followed an even more impressive graduation strategy, so I asked him to contribute his best ideas and experiences.

We both saw how valuable a resource like this could be and wanted to make sure it was available to the students and families who could benefit from it most.

9/22/2026 01:14:18 pm

I admit to being impressed. You and Marcus are geniuses for figuring it out and making it work. Congratulations.

Next question.

Many families worry about the rising cost of college. What are some of the biggest mistakes students make financially, and how does your book help them avoid those traps?”

9/23/2026 11:44:06 am

Many families never seriously consider the cost of college. They simply say, “Whatever it costs, we’ll pay it,” even when they cannot realistically afford to do so. Students may max out their student loans, while parents take on substantial Parent PLUS Loans. For many families, the result can be decades of debt and significant financial strain. Some borrowers may never fully repay their student loans.

College should be a time to grow, improve, and prepare yourself for the future. Because of the enormous investment of both time and money, we need to evaluate college like any other major investment: Will the time, effort, and money we put into it produce a positive return that makes the investment worthwhile?

Before starting college, every student and family should carefully consider three questions:

1. Is college the right choice for me, or are there better alternatives?

2. If college is the right choice, what degree and career path should I pursue to create the life I want while providing enough financial opportunity to justify the investment?

3. Am I willing to do what it takes—and refuse to give up when things get difficult?

The goal is not simply to earn a college degree. The goal is to make an informed decision about your future and, if you choose college, make sure the investment of your time and money is worthwhile.

We created a free Google Sheet to help students and families evaluate whether college makes financial sense for them. You can use it here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g7Kkle0ETijUKGOnCCLJGaBe2SyI-CILPp9jTSlyxds/template/preview

9/23/2026 12:13:47 pm

So many repeat the mantra, "You must go to college." It becomes like a wish granted by a genie that implies a good job will automatically follow and a life of financial security. We now know that isn't always true for everyone. "Do you want fries with that?" has become a dark-humored meme because so many graduates couldn't land a good job with their degree.

Those are very important questions! A college degree is only the first step in a lifelong journey. Thank you for providing the copy-and-paste tool for families to find the smartest way forward.

New question.

Your book talks not only about college, but also long-term success and life skills. Why was it important for you to include topics beyond academics?

9/23/2026 06:48:11 pm

When I was growing up, my mother took a job teaching at an elite private K–12 school so that I could attend for free.

While there and later in college, I witnessed many exceptionally bright students from very wealthy families struggle immensely in both school and life because they lacked critical life skills. These included knowing how to manage their physical and mental health, develop healthy social skills and relationships, take care of themselves, manage their time, and handle the responsibilities of everyday life.

If you lack critical life skills, your chances of succeeding in school and life are significantly lower, regardless of how intelligent you are or how many resources you have available. This is an area that students and their families need to honestly evaluate before college.

Life skills must be learned, practiced, and developed over time. Unfortunately, too few of these essential skills are taught in school, which means students and families often have to take responsibility for developing them.

In our book, How to Hack College, we include a self-assessment to help students identify areas where they may need to improve, along with practical strategies that students and their families can implement to strengthen essential life skills and improve physical and mental health. The goal is to make sure students are prepared not only to succeed academically, but also to handle the independence and responsibilities that come with college and adult life.

9/23/2026 08:45:33 pm

I think I have seen the same thing. Brilliant students who never seem to grow up and develop self-destructive habits. It is so sad to witness a person crash and burn in one or more parts of their life.

New question.

If a student or parent could apply just one lesson from How to Hack College immediately, what would you want that lesson to be and why?

9/24/2026 06:15:48 am

The single biggest lesson from our book for students and parents is to evaluate college like a rational investment rather than an emotional goal. Look at all the ways to save time and money while giving you the absolute highest chance of success.

9/24/2026 08:18:34 am

That perspective is so important! Education is a journey that all undertake and college is only one path among many. Some paths will prepare a person better than others for life in general.

New questions.

What are your three favorite genres to read for pleasure?

Has writing changed the pleasure of reading for you?

9/24/2026 12:26:51 pm

My top three favorite genres to read are:

1. Self-help, including business and finance books, if you consider those part of the broader genre

2. History

3. Historical fiction

After going through the process of writing a book myself, I have a much greater appreciation for how much work goes into every book. I now see every word as that much more precious and valuable, knowing the time, thought, and effort that went into putting it on the page.

9/24/2026 12:50:06 pm

Good stuff! I spend most of my time reading fiction. My favorite genres, in order, are: science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, cozy mystery/murder.

Every word matters and should carry the story forward, whether fiction or non-fiction. Word choice is where the author's voice comes from. Every author makes different choices. Given the same prompt or story idea, a dozen authors will write at least a dozen different stories.

New questions.

Why do you write?

Do you also journal?

9/24/2026 01:28:02 pm

I write because I find it to be the clearest and most lasting way to communicate my ideas and express myself. I also believe that some of my better ideas may be helpful to others, which is another major motivating factor.

I journal about particularly important life experiences, although not as frequently as I should. There are many moments and experiences that I want to remember in detail for the rest of my life, and journaling is one of the most effective ways I have found to preserve those memories.

9/24/2026 01:46:17 pm

Those are good reasons for writing and journaling. I don't write, but I do journal. Sadly, my grandchildren don't know how to read cursive and I write in cursive for brain elasticity.

New questions.

How has writing changed your life?

Does your work, past or present, have any influence on your writing?

9/26/2026 12:36:47 am

Writing has helped me learn how to communicate more effectively, not just through the written word but also when speaking. It has taught me to refine and simplify what I want to say so that I can communicate my message as clearly as possible. It has also given me a greater appreciation for literature and more patience when communicating with others.

My work is largely focused on business and cost efficiency, which drives much of the financial focus of my writing. My past and present experiences as an ultra-endurance athlete, my family values, and a past personal health crisis have also greatly influenced what I write about and how I approach life.

I try to prioritize health and athletic performance while building my life on a strong moral foundation. Those priorities, along with the lessons I have learned through business, athletics, family, and adversity, naturally shape the ideas and experiences I choose to share through my writing.

9/26/2026 08:46:39 am

A writer's voice comes from a perspective of many different factors, many of which are rooted in daily living. The clarity of a message comes from the word choices a writer makes. The message in "How to Hack College" is very clear. You and Marcus are good communicators.

New questions.

What did you believe about writing in the past that you now know is false?

How long did it take you to write and publish this book?

9/26/2026 06:43:04 pm

I used to think that the quality of a person’s writing was largely proportional to their intelligence and focus, and that those were the most important factors to consider. While I still believe this is true to some degree, I have come to realize that what often matters far more is the writer’s depth, breadth of experience, and personal development.

I have grown tremendously as a person through writing. When choosing books, I now see great value in finding authors who have accumulated years of wisdom and experience to draw upon, particularly when the subject requires a deeper understanding of life. Intelligence and writing ability are valuable, but there are certain insights that can only be developed through experience, reflection, and time.

Writing and publishing our book took two years and was far more difficult and time-consuming than I expected. If I were to write another book, I believe the process would be significantly faster because there is a steep learning curve involved. Much of the first book required trial and error—not only in writing, but also in editing, publishing, and learning how to turn an idea into a finished book.

9/27/2026 09:00:51 am

Intelligence and focus are necessary because writing a good book, an easy-to-read book is quite a bit of work. You know that now. A lot of people get the writing bug. One or two people mention to them that they should write a book. A few of those make an attempt without any knowledge about how to write a book. That lack of knowledge causes so many aspiring authors to give up after the first chapter because it's nothing like everything else they have read. A few of those might even complete the first draft of their story and put it away in a drawer, thus saving the rest of us from reading their drivel. The few that can't get free of the writing bug try to learn more about writing. They have an inner quality compelling them to make it better. They persevere. With a humble attitude and appropriate education, most anyone can write a book. The readers will decide if the book is worth reading or not.

You are right about a steep learning curve. The first book is the hardest, the following books get easier to write. Many years ago, I heard about an old editor. When a new author turned in their first book to be edited, the editor took it and deposited it in the round filing cabinet next to the desk. It was reported that the editor told the author to go write a real story. I don't know if it's true, but it illustrates a good point. The second book is usually easier to write and to read.

New questions.

Who was the first person to inspire you to write something to publish?

Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

9/27/2026 02:54:58 pm

The first person who inspired me to write was one of my mentors, Jesus Santos. Jesus was my Spanish teacher at Stevenson and also my running coach. When I was in high school, we would frequently do 20-mile runs together through the hills of Fort Ord and Salinas on California’s Central Coast. We even completed an Ironman and several other races together. He is a wonderful man and has been a tremendous source of light and positivity in my life, as well as in the lives of many of his students.

I am not naturally inclined to write fiction, nor do I read much of it. My mind gravitates toward facts, knowledge, and ideas that can be immediately understood and put into practice. Ultimately, I chose to write the kind of book I appreciate, understand, and read most: something practical that gives readers knowledge they can apply to their own lives.

9/27/2026 03:52:03 pm

Coach Santos sounds like a wonderful person and a great coach! He offered a wonderful example of a man to follow.

You and Marcus exemplified the lesson from Coach Santos and gave us an ultimately useful book! It will help a lot of people.

New questions.

Will you keep writing in the genre or will you branch out?

Does everyone in your family enjoy reading your writing?

9/27/2026 08:49:59 pm

There will be many years of personal growth ahead before I consider writing another book. I want to gain more life experience first so what I write will provide more value to the reader.

As far as genre, I will likely stay with self-help.

A few family members have read my book and found it helpful. Most, however, graduated from college a long time ago.

9/28/2026 08:11:10 am

Waiting for the right time is a measure of wisdom. I think your next book will be well received.

Last question.

Have you ever seen a UFO or UAP, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena?

9/28/2026 08:36:36 am

I can't say that I have.

9/28/2026 10:34:58 am

I have not seen one either. Though my younger sisters say we saw one as children. I have no memory of that event. Most authors have answered that question in the negative also.

Thank you, Marshall, for answering my questions so patiently. I have enjoyed our conversation quite a bit. I have another promotion to prepare for, so this interview must come to an end for now. You have been a fascinating guest this week and I appreciate you choosing me to help promote your book.

Until next time, keep on writing.

9/29/2026 12:08:27 pm

It was a pleasure, Mark. Thank you so much for the opportunity.