College Admissions: 6 Great Summer Reads for College Students (And Their Parents)

Monday, August 10, 2015

Cristiana Quinn, GoLocal College Admissions Expert

From guides on how to study to this classic guide on how to handle the myriad challenges of dorm life, these books will help every college student (and parent) prepare for the big move this fall.

Lazy days of summer are here. If you have a student heading off to college in the fall, or if you are about to suffer the loss of having kids at home, here are some “must have” books that will help ease the transition and arm you with valuable strategies for success:

For College Students

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen-A humorous yet helpful look at what students should be prepared to encounter in college. From friendship issues to alcohol and drugs, this book tells students what to expect on campus and how to handle the bumps.

How To Study In College by Walter Pauk-Too many students go off to college today without the skills to succeed. This book focuses on how to absorb knowledge and use it effectively in college courses. The Cornell Note Taking System and other proven methodologies are used to teach students what they don’t learn in high school—HOW to study. It’s a game changer for students who want to be top achievers.

Making College Count: A Real World Look at How to Succeed In and After College by Patrick S. O'Brien and Pete Adams-I have always believed the saying “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This book deals with how to chart your course and make the most of your college investment. From major selection to extra-curricular activities and internships, students are guided to think about how they can best use their four years on campus to propel themselves into a great career or grad school after graduation.

For Parents

You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage. Written by the parent liaison from U, Minnesota, this book deals with the real world issues that kids (and parents) face in college. It starts with things that crop up the summer before students head off for freshmen year, then academic issues, social obstacles and financial responsibility on campus. The common sense advice helps teach parents how to be supportive and mentor kids at a distance vs. being a helicopter parent via daily text messages and phone calls.

Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger-Kids, the title says it all! If your parents are having a hard time transitioning to your adulthood, this is the book to get them for the holidays. It contains hundreds of tips from colleges, students and parents to help parents cope and kids retain their sanity.

Barbara & Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest: Discovering New Purpose, Passion & Your Next Great Adventure by Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates- Are you the last child to leave home? Do you wonder what your parents will do now that they don’t have to be your chauffeur, pack lunches and hound you about homework? This guide will help your parents find their new mission in life while reducing text message overload from mom and dad on Saturday night.

Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC which provides strategic college counseling, SAT prep and athletic recruiting services www.collegeadvisorsonline.com.