BRITTANY MASCHAL CONSULTING

There’s a new-ish college book that I actually like! It just so happens to be authored by Penn’s Eric Furda and longtime higher ed writer, Jacques Steinberg (if you studied high ed you’ve read his stuff; excellent!).

The College Conversation is a comprehensive resource for mapping the path through the college application process that provides practical advice and reassurance to keep both anxious parents and confused children sane and grounded. Rather than adding to the existing canon of “How to Get In” college guides or rankings, Eric Furda and Jacques Steinberg provide a step-by-step approach to having the tough conversations on this topic with less stress and more success.

The book is organized around key discussions and themes that trace the chronological arc of admissions and financial aid–beginning before the assembly of a list of potential colleges and continuing through the receipt of decisions–with a final section that includes advice on the first year of college. The topics include preliminary conversations about the search, and specifically how parents can think about their children’s interests and what kind of college would best suit them; choosing a college (based on its curriculum, culture, and community); writing the most effective essays; assessing acceptances, including considerations of finances and aid; and making the transition from high school to college life.

The College Conversation provides credible, level-headed information often missing in this process, as well as a much-needed dash of perspective borne of experience. A great read for parents!

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