The Kids' College Almanac: A First Look at College FROM THE PUBLISHER
Written especially for middle-school students who are contemplating going to college, this easy-to-read book explains the basics in a visually attractive, question-and-answer format. Selected by the New York Public Library as one of the best books for teens, The Kids' College Almanac is a "top-notch guidebook"--VOYA.
FROM THE CRITICS
VOYA
This book is a refinement of the original 1996 edition (Gerson, 1996/VOYA April 1997) with a much more sophisticated layout. The chapters and data have been updated but still contain solid and readable content. Another chapter, "Is College My Only Choice?", has been added and provides an overview of career schools. Young people and their families will find guidance in identifying appropriate colleges, considering potential careers, and understanding the costs and will learn what a college education involves. Explanations of the application and admission process and financial aid also are offered. Sidebars, boxes, and lists supplement the primary text. Emphasis is upon studying hard, being involved, and doing your best to get into college. Students who worry about their qualifications and learning differences might benefit from further discussion of colleges that consider students in ways distinct from grades and SAT scores or that have special admissions programs. Such students need to think of ways to "package" themselves—and they must begin early. Web sites are given for many colleges, organizations, and financial aid resources. This book continues to be a valuable tool for college seekers and their families, particularly those with no or little experience. Libraries serving high school students and their parents should have multiple copies. Glossary. Index. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, JIST Publishing, 325p, Oversize pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Patricia Morrow SOURCE:VOYA, June 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 2)
VOYA - Patricia J. Morrow
For young people who are contemplating going to college, or being told that they should think about it, here is a top-notch guidebook with which to get started. Academe has a whole language to be learned and a whole host of questions to be developed and organized before seeking answers and making decisions. Families with little or no college experience find this intimidating, as do any parents helping the first child make post-secondary education choices. Questions about where to go, what kind of college to look for, how much to pay, all the extra costs, where the money will come from, and even what good a college education will do, need to be explored. Keeping this an organized, methodical, and low stress activity can be a challenge to the most compulsive young person and his/her family. The Kids' College Almanac provides basic information about what a college education is about, the various types of institutions, the different types of students, and the ways that college experiences can be pursued. It makes a very satisfying effort at recommending the traditional college experience-full-time, in-residence-as an important part of the learning process and steps to adulthood, without ignoring that this is not possible for all people. An extensive number of lists providing statistics from the states are included as topics are explored and extensive side and foot bars provide additional information or examples. Occasional pictures with comments from well-known personalities about the college experience add to the substance of the examples. There is a lengthy glossary and (hurrah) a suggested reading list of authors/books that should be read before going to college, because other people there will be familiar with them. The first eleven chapters focus on a methodical approach to gathering information about colleges to match individual needs, campus visits, application processes, financial aid, worksheet for costs and cost comparisons, and when to accept a college admissions offer. The authors highlight the nuances of educational opportunity, leaving plenty of room to realize that a variety of options is a positive approach, and changing your mind is acceptable. The final chapters focus on preparing to attend college, selecting courses, making living-style choices, roommates, and extra-curricular activities. While most chapters stand alone, this book can be read through and the entire process surveyed. The test is easily read, almost conversational, using question-and-answer format throughout. Although not an almanac of extensive reference materials, the book provides many examples. Students and parents are encouraged to use available expert sources-reference librarians, high school guidance counselors, and college admissions personnel. Sources on the Internet, including college home pages, are explained. The book seems to cover nearly all necessary considerations and suggests looking further to specialized resources. A few sample forms might have been a helpful addition, though most forms are discussed individually. This book will be of great use to the intended audience, even the suggested tender age of ten, as college application processes continue to become more complicated, and information access becomes more diverse. Libraries serving junior-senior high school students and their families should have this book, perhaps one copy for circulation and another with college/career planning materials. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Charts. Appendix VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses, Broad general YA appeal, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).
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