Since it’s 97 degrees outside with a 110 heat index, I thought it best to watch some European soccer quarterfinals and share some of what I have been reading. There are dozens upon dozens of books that cover the topic of the college search process. With so much change impacting this quest, some are out of date even as they are published. The ones that stand the test of time are not the “how-to” printings, but rather those that speak to a deeper or broader meaning.
While many of the books I have read over the decades were truly helpful, there are a few that have fundamentally shifted how I advise students and parents.
"10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College, Revised: The Skills You Need To Succeed” by Bill Coplin (2012)
The first book does double duty, as I see it. While the author covers several foundational skills (communication, creativity, time management, solving problems) a student should attain in college, I think it also highlights quality programs/services (study away, career services, etc.) that students should look for in their potential colleges.
“Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” by David Epstein (2019)
In my role as an educational consultant, it is not enough to know about the “getting in” part of this journey, but also being there in college and beyond. In short, I must be a polymath professionally. Epstein’s book basically says we need to become life-long learners given the ever-changing tides of change in jobs, careers, and economies.
“Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace (2023)
I heard of this book through one of Jeffrey Selingo’s webinars and was intrigued. When he announced there were 3,000+ other listeners, I knew I had to get Wallace’s book. I read it in two days and have been lending it to my colleagues at every opportunity ever since. My takeaway from her writing is that everybody needs to tone down the overwhelming and enormous pressures foisted upon young adolescents. The “get in and get ahead at all costs” mindset is doing a lot more harm than good.
Curious to read more? Here are a few other offerings:
- If you are a higher education nerd like I am, I also recommend following Jeffrey Selingo’s blog (https://jeffselingo.com/ ) and reading any of his published books.
“Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting, and Race” by Shereem Herndon-Brown and Timothy Lewis (2nd ed, 2024).
Will reading all the above books and blogs and posts allow one to wrap their heads completely around the college quest? Alas, no. Although you may not reach this goal, reading about the many facets associated with higher education will certainly be enriching.
Sharon Creech’s quote does provide solace and a positive perspective when it comes to a healthy college search: "I love the way that each book — any book — is its own journey. You open it, and off you go…"
Not working with us yet? Feeling stressed by the college search process? Let's chat.
コメント