These are some of the books that I recommend for students and parents who are starting, or in the middle of the college search process. They are thought provoking, and often entertaining. There is a description of each book below. Give them a read.
December: You Majored in What?: Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career by Katharine Brooks, Ed.D.
Though this book is geared toward college graduates, in search of jobs, it is worth reading now. As you and your middle or high school student start to think about college, there should be a discussion about interests that could lead to potential college majors. It may be interesting, and sometimes imperative in a slow economy, to discover what types of careers can develop from various majors. There is no sense in majoring in something of non-interest, so better to figure out where your student’s interest could lead him. So when your student is confronted with the proverbial question “What are you going to do with that major?”, he will have some concrete possibilities.
Though this book is geared toward college graduates, in search of jobs, it is worth reading now. As you and your middle or high school student start to think about college, there should be a discussion about interests that could lead to potential college majors. It may be interesting, and sometimes imperative in a slow economy, to discover what types of careers can develop from various majors. There is no sense in majoring in something of non-interest, so better to figure out where your student’s interest could lead him. So when your student is confronted with the proverbial question “What are you going to do with that major?”, he will have some concrete possibilities.
November: Ready for Take-Off: Preparing Your Teen with ADHD or LD for College by Theresa E. Laurie Maitland, PhD & Patricia O. Quinn, MD
Navigating the college process is only one part of preparing your teen for college. There are many books available on the topic, some of which I have recommended in previous months. However, this book is different. The contents will explain ways to prepare your child with ADHD or LD, through coaching or worthwhile conversations. Helping your child become an empowered self-advocate, who understands his strengths and weaknesses, his needs for success, and how to attain helpful resources, are among the themes in this book. Written by experts known to the field of ADHD and LD, this book is an invaluable must!
Navigating the college process is only one part of preparing your teen for college. There are many books available on the topic, some of which I have recommended in previous months. However, this book is different. The contents will explain ways to prepare your child with ADHD or LD, through coaching or worthwhile conversations. Helping your child become an empowered self-advocate, who understands his strengths and weaknesses, his needs for success, and how to attain helpful resources, are among the themes in this book. Written by experts known to the field of ADHD and LD, this book is an invaluable must!
October: How to Go to College on a Shoe String by Ann Marie O’Phelan, M.F.A.
Where does it end- the rising cost of college tuition, application fees, lab fees, housing, meals, books, transportation to campus and back home, spending money, and much more? The author shares guides to federal aid programs, ways to reduce out of pocket expenses, college program options for students, how to find appropriate scholarships, in addition to the process of filing for financial aid. A must read for the frugal parent who must make the wisest financial choices.
Where does it end- the rising cost of college tuition, application fees, lab fees, housing, meals, books, transportation to campus and back home, spending money, and much more? The author shares guides to federal aid programs, ways to reduce out of pocket expenses, college program options for students, how to find appropriate scholarships, in addition to the process of filing for financial aid. A must read for the frugal parent who must make the wisest financial choices.
August: I’m Going to College ---- Not You!: Surviving the College Search with Your Child edited by Jennifer Delahunty
A good book to keep by your beside, especially during the days, weeks, and months of navigating the college search process. If the anticipation of SAT prep courses, college applications, essays, college tours, and financial aid woes is making you feel inadequate, uneasy, and downright depressed, read these unique perspectives from parents who once walked in your shoes. Each story, from best-selling authors, college professors, journalists, and perhaps your own neighbors, may bring new insights, calming thoughts, enhanced coping strategies, or a better understanding of how you can fit into this process without losing your mind.
A good book to keep by your beside, especially during the days, weeks, and months of navigating the college search process. If the anticipation of SAT prep courses, college applications, essays, college tours, and financial aid woes is making you feel inadequate, uneasy, and downright depressed, read these unique perspectives from parents who once walked in your shoes. Each story, from best-selling authors, college professors, journalists, and perhaps your own neighbors, may bring new insights, calming thoughts, enhanced coping strategies, or a better understanding of how you can fit into this process without losing your mind.
July: The Short Bus: A Journey Through Normal by Jonathan Mooney
Meet the unsung heroes, riders of the short bus, who have struggled with their own differences most of their lives. Though a magna cum laude graduate from Brown University, the author is still haunted by his school day memories on the short special education bus, feeling “not normal”. In his search to find “normalcy”, Mr. Mooney buys a short bus and tours the country, meeting other short bus riders and learning how they have overcome so many odds to become their true selves. Jonathan Mooney, an inspirational speaker, grows from his experience and so will you, just by reading this book.
Meet the unsung heroes, riders of the short bus, who have struggled with their own differences most of their lives. Though a magna cum laude graduate from Brown University, the author is still haunted by his school day memories on the short special education bus, feeling “not normal”. In his search to find “normalcy”, Mr. Mooney buys a short bus and tours the country, meeting other short bus riders and learning how they have overcome so many odds to become their true selves. Jonathan Mooney, an inspirational speaker, grows from his experience and so will you, just by reading this book.
June: The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen
A unique guidebook for the recent high school graduate, ready to embark on the next life adventure- going to college. The author relies on interviews with numerous college students, who offer advice on dorm life, money, social networking, doing laundry, the freshman 15, Greek life, and even what to do when you encounter your naked roommate. A great graduation present!
A unique guidebook for the recent high school graduate, ready to embark on the next life adventure- going to college. The author relies on interviews with numerous college students, who offer advice on dorm life, money, social networking, doing laundry, the freshman 15, Greek life, and even what to do when you encounter your naked roommate. A great graduation present!
May: The Happiest Kid on Campus: A Parent’s Guide to the Very Best College Experience (for You and Your Child) by Harlan Cohen
Six hundred pages, packed with the latest trends, statistics, and research that parents should know about the college experience! Social networking, homesickness, roommates, packing, medications, and college dating are only a few tips included in this “tell it like it is” guide. Certainly a good read for your student going off to college, but a great bedside manual to keep you in the know.
Six hundred pages, packed with the latest trends, statistics, and research that parents should know about the college experience! Social networking, homesickness, roommates, packing, medications, and college dating are only a few tips included in this “tell it like it is” guide. Certainly a good read for your student going off to college, but a great bedside manual to keep you in the know.
March/April: A Parents’ Guide to College Life by Robin Raskin
This is a book of questions and answers. The author talked with college administrators, faculty, parents, students, counseling center personnel, medical professionals, and other experts to answer frequently asked questions about life on a college campus. Parents will find good topics to discuss with their children before and during college, to keep the communication lines open.
This is a book of questions and answers. The author talked with college administrators, faculty, parents, students, counseling center personnel, medical professionals, and other experts to answer frequently asked questions about life on a college campus. Parents will find good topics to discuss with their children before and during college, to keep the communication lines open.
February: Paying for College Without Going Broke by Kalman A. Chany with Geoff Martz
College will cost you money, that’s a fact. But just how much could be quite different than what you envision. What constitutes a need-based scholarship? How can a student from a poor environment compete with one from a richer one? What are the differences between federal, state, and school aid? Where does a parent turn, when attempting to foot the bill for college? For starters, this book will answer many questions, dispel some myths, and give a parent hope about affording the tuition and all the added expenses that come with it.
College will cost you money, that’s a fact. But just how much could be quite different than what you envision. What constitutes a need-based scholarship? How can a student from a poor environment compete with one from a richer one? What are the differences between federal, state, and school aid? Where does a parent turn, when attempting to foot the bill for college? For starters, this book will answer many questions, dispel some myths, and give a parent hope about affording the tuition and all the added expenses that come with it.
January: Survival Guide for College Students with ADHD or LD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.
This nationally recognized psychologist and specialist on ADHD and learning disabilities gives advice to students preparing to make those college applications or are attempting to navigate the challenges of college. From discussions of learning style and self-advocacy to college-type supports and accommodations, to organizational strategies geared for success, this book will help parents and students take the right steps towards balancing the work load and the social scene, maintaining good grades, establishing working relationships with professors and support professionals, and graduating with accomplished skills.
This nationally recognized psychologist and specialist on ADHD and learning disabilities gives advice to students preparing to make those college applications or are attempting to navigate the challenges of college. From discussions of learning style and self-advocacy to college-type supports and accommodations, to organizational strategies geared for success, this book will help parents and students take the right steps towards balancing the work load and the social scene, maintaining good grades, establishing working relationships with professors and support professionals, and graduating with accomplished skills.
