It’s that time of year when everyone is searching online and in stores for that perfect holiday gift. Reading is one way to improve your college-bound teen’s vocabulary and the best way for you to educate yourself about the college admissions process. The holidays are a perfect time to grab some books for stocking stuffers or for a friend who has a student heading off to college in the future.
Following are my “affordable” recommendations for college books to fill those stockings or be a perfect “secret” Santa!
Getting In! College Admissions and Financial Aid in the Digital Age
Zinch (a student-focused admissions site) approaches college admissions in the digital age, addressing the issues of today’s technology and how it affects the student.
This book by Andrew Hacker and Claudia Dreifus is a MUST read for every parent and student. It presents some alternative colleges that many may not have heard about and proposes some controversial change in higher education. You can follow their blog too!
The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only
This book is the definitive companion for every parent of a student either heading to college or already in college. Harlan Cohen speaks clearly to parents in their language, making it not only an informative read but an easy-to-read resource for parents.
Nancy Berk takes on the lighter side of college admissions from a parent’s perspective. In order to survive the process, you need to add a little bit of humor to the mix and Nancy does just that.
Author Paul Hemphill shows the reader how you can be a leader even without having what some might think are traditional leadership qualities. Colleges are looking for leadership qualities in their applicants and Paul shows you how to tap into that natural ability.
No parent wants to think that their student will head off to college and spend their time partying; but the sad facts indicate that the college culture encourages it. This book shows that college itself encourages these drinking patterns and is one more example of the dark side of campus life. Parents and students should read this book.
Armed with his personal knowledge, the latest data, and smart analysis, Zac Bissonnette takes on the sacred cows of the higher education establishment. He reveals why a lot of the conventional wisdom about choosing and financing college is not only wrong but hazardous to you and your child’s financial future.
Secrets of a Financial Aid Pro
With insight and humor, Jodi Okun takes you inside the often murky world of paying for college. Learn how to find and apply for every type of financial aid, including FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and loans. Find out how to give your student the financial skills they’ll need for life–it all starts in college by helping them manage expenses and money.