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Seeing as I’m an author, it might shock you to learn I’m also a big reader. 😉

One of the main topics you’ll find on my bookshelf? College readiness!

(^Another shocker, I know)

I’m all about being a resource for my people, so here are three books I’ve read recently that offer tangible benefits to high school students planning to go to college, plus what readers and reviewers had to say about them and my own takeaways. 

All of these books are available for check out at local libraries for FREE, or if you’re ready to buy, you can purchase them using my affiliate links below:

Book 1: 

College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) from the Madness by Jill Margaret Shulman

What readers and reviewers say: This book is a step-by-step, month-by-month guide to help your kid navigate the college admissions process, from scheduling standardized tests to writing essays. 

What Danielle says: I love this format of book. It is a true guide. Separated by year, semester and season, Shulman covers all the in's and out's of leveraging 9th - 12th grades to prepare for college. It's a true roadmap and I highly recommend you check it out if you're looking for something that will tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. 

Book 2: 

The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race by Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown

What readers and reviewers say: Finding the right college is a challenge for all students, but Black families face additional challenges and questions when navigating the admissions process. Veteran admissions experts Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown demystify this complexity by advising families on when to begin the process, where to apply, and how to be a competitive applicant.

What Danielle says: I love this book for so many reasons! My counselor never talked to me about going to an HBCU even though I lived in a region with so many HBCU options. I think this book is a must read for students who are not familiar with HBCUs but want to learn more. The authors compare and contrast their experiences with Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and HBCUs and how each influenced where they are now. One thing I do know is that many of my Black peers who went to PWIs would strongly consider attending an HBCU if they had to do it all over again. Heads up: this book is more of a novel in format (chapter book) and isn't as skimmable as the other two.

Book 3: 

College Admission 101, 3rd Edition: Expert Advice for the New Challenges in Admissions, Testing, Financial Aid, and More by Robert Franek

What readers and reviewers say: This friendly, helpful Q&A-style book from the editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review presents simple answers to your toughest questions about navigating the college admissions process, figuring out financial aid, and getting into the university of your choice.

What Danielle says: This book sets itself apart from the other two on my reading list because it is more of a comprehensive guide to the overall college admission process. There's great Q&A-style topics that are easy to search and skim through if necessary. 

Reading up is a great first step, but don’t stop there! Schedule your student’s college visits, then make sure they’re prepared to record and reflect on their experience with The College Visit Journal: Campus Visits Demystified

PSST—On a reading roll? Check out these additional recs from my digital bookshelf >>