Fiske Countdown to College: 41 To-do Lists and a Plan for Every Year of High School

by Edward B. Fiske, Bruce Hammond

Unique, simple approach to the complicated college prep process, from the leading authority in college admissions. Getting ready for college is a complicated and confusing process - how do you know when to take the SAT? When do you start applying to schools? What classes should you be taking to help prepare you for college-level work? Is there anything you should do before high school? Fiske Countdown to College is a comprehensive collection of simple, easy-to-use checklists that explain everything you need to do in each year of high school to make preparation for college a breeze. There are 28 "to-do" lists for parents and students, ten "don't" lists, three "top 10" lists, and two glossaries, divided by year, that walk you through high school to college. Quotes from students, parents, and counselors offer advice and support from people who've been through all of this before.

135 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fiske Countdown to College is a good resource for one thing - to let parents know that they need to be a partner (a secondary partner) in the college decision making plans. But for $9.99 the information can be found from any college or Google search. My concern is that this book can be used by parents who are thinking that college and "the right college" is the only options. I was also disappointed that they didn't talk about the community college to a 4-year option.

Get this only if you are a student and need some motivation.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this guide. It is concise and straightforward. I liked that it was addressed to students and parents separately. The parts for students are informative but not overwhelming. I feel any student can benefit from these simple strategies while looking for the right college. I decided to buy one for my home library.

[Cara Welker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reco from a friend. I’m glad I read it and will give it to my son to read as well. It gave me a point to start from each year of high school and an understanding of the new process (since I graduated college) of applying to college.

I like the checklists and the how there are sections written for the student and parent. 4 1/2 stars- It repeats itself in some places.

[Manoshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read ! I finished this in school which gave me extra motivation to do well in my classes for the day. It was short yet very to the point about what needs to and should be done each year of high school which was helpful.

[ROBERT SEAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

good overview of things for students and parents to think about in the college search

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know nothing about college search--this book might make you panic. Look it over with your child but realize that you don't have to do all of it! If you know you're too involved, almost taking over the process for your high schooler, read the parent warnings carefully and make sure you're letting your teen drive the process. My fear is that some readers might take this book on as a project manager, ensuring their teen goes through all 41 lists. It might be a great resource, but it might lead to severe helicoptering...