Countdown to College

Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School
Pierce, Valerie & Rilly Cheryl. Original: 2003, Revised: 2009.
Countdown to College: 21 ‘To Do’ Lists for High School
Lansing, Michigan: Front Porch Press.
$10.95
ISBN 9780965608688.

Format: book
Rating: 5.0/5.0 stars

Summary
From the first day of freshman year, this guide provides what ‘to do’ suggestions such as getting out there, volunteering, scholarships (never too early to start looking for money), to how to make your summer count.

Sophomore year has more ‘to do’s’ including testing, considering schools, campus visits, and getting a life that is resume worthy.

Junior year has more ‘to do’s’ with school counselors, college fairs, the big tests: SAT and ACT, and the do’s and don’t for those, much more about money and financial aid, building that stellar resume, and essay skill building.

Senior year head start, final ‘to do’s’ and yes, the list is bigger but not impossible as it includes college applications and meeting admission's counselors (making yourself stand out in a good way), how to get the best recommendations, and more money with FAFSA, scholarships and financial aid package offers, acceptance letters, dollars for more than just scholars, decisions, deposits, and preparing for all you’ll need as a college student.

Critical Evaluation
Having my second child in her senior year right now, I can attest to the value of this tiny little guide that is worth its weight in gold. I am a list person and so is my daughter. She loved this book her freshman year so much that she bought her own updated copy, when she was a sophomore.

It is written in a clear, concise tone and feels all about being helpful instead of authoritative or pushy; there is no heavy sales pitch on any element. It feels very mom-like and teen friendly at the same time. There is a great mix of quotes, graphics, text, checklists, statistics, so it all comes together and makes sense. I especially like the quotes from former high school students, sharing advice and tips from mistakes that they learned the hard way.

Reader’s Annotation

Think of maximizing your high school experience and this guide as your map; it provides every detail and every step so that when graduation day arrives, you have a solid plan and are ready for your future.

Information About the Authors

When Valerie Pierce’s daughter Ashlie entered high school and set about on a journey to a competitive college (University of Texas) and with her being involved in so much at school that it forced mom to generate lists to keep track of every detail to not miss any deadlines.

Along the way, Valerie teamed up with Cheryl Rilly, author and creative director at Front Porch Press. Together they expanded, extended and updated their lists to ensure that every detail can be achieved and no deadline missed.

(Pierce, 2011) and (Rilly, 2011)

Genre
Non-fiction: Post-secondary planning

Curriculum Ties:
This is a great tool that supports our Touch the Future class; it would better server a wider audience if it were used as part of the advisory program so that students had access beginning their freshman year.

Booktalking Ideas
(1) share quotes from former high school students who learned a few lessons the hard way and want to share their insights to keep YOU from making their same mistakes

(2) have a current senior speak with the freshmen and sophomores during advisory time to show how these ‘to do’ lists taken on early will get you to where you’re going with less stress and more success

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9 and up / YA

Challenge Issues
N/A

Awards

N/A

Why Title Included & Selection Tools
Though small in dimensions, this guide is huge on resources and ideas and anything / everything a teen and his or her parents will need to prepare for life beyond high school – a must have for every high school library, unless you can afford to hand them out to every student.

San Diego Family Magazine, Parent Magazine