“What I like
about this book is that it shows you the
steps you need to take to get into college
and it applies to almost everyone. Whether
you’re in elementary school or in the work
force considering enrolling in a college or
university, this book has something you can
use. Everything from raising a college-bound
student to life after college is covered.”
When should parents begin thinking about
their children’s higher education? Probably
practically from birth, given the financial
and academic building blocks involved in
successfully achieving that goal. This the
thinking which inspired Thomas and William LaVeist to write How to Prepare for College,
a primer published with
nationally-syndicated DJ Tom Joyner’s stamp
of approval.
They authors believe that “preparing for
college should begin while the child is in
the womb.” Thus, it comes as no surprise
that their handy how-to book opens with a
step-by-step guide delineating which skills
a kid is expected to master at each grade
level from Head Start through senior year of
high school.
Key grade school level advice includes
“Read! Read! Read!” and a suggestion that
“Parents should dedicate a part of the day
or evening when they can read together with
their children.“ As for junior high, they
point out that “Taking the right courses for
college begins in middle school and must be
taken very seriously.” And as for high
school, they indicate that “Advance
Placement (AP) courses improve students’
chances of getting into college because they
give students an early start on college
level work.”
Among critical questions raised are whether
to take the SAT or the ACT standardized
test, whether to attend an HBCU
(Historically-Black College) or a mainstream
university, and whether or not to apply
early decision. Then, there are a couple of
chapters devoted to paying for college and
applying for financial aid. Once admitted, a
freshman might do well to heed the tips in
the section about studying, time management
and extracurricular activities.