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What Every Parent Needs to Know About College Admissions: How to Prepare Your Child to Succeed in College and Life─With a Step-by Step Planner (College Guidebook) Paperback – Organizer, July 13, 2021

by Christie Barnes (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
See all formats and editions
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The Truth About Career Planning and the College Search Process

“…the go-to guide for students to find the right path, at the right time, for the right tuition amount to lead to their best career outcome.” ―Anna Costaras and Gail Liss, authors of The College Bound Organizer

#1 New Release in Education Research

Society's guiding “truths” about higher education are now incorrect. In What Every Parent Needs to Know About College Admissions, Christie Barnes helps parents and students alike cut through the noise and find the best school, which might not always be the most prestigious or expensive one.

College planning re-examined. All economic levels are getting vastly incorrect information for college and career planning, leading to anxiety-ridden youth and crippling student debt. Less affluent students are being led to more expensive options and high achievers feel compelled to apply for college at the most prestigious institutions. But, whether it’s a state school, safety school, or public school―there are other options beside an overpriced private school. It could be, but it might not be.

A guidance counselor for parents. Learn that it’s not just about the “right” college, it’s about the “right fit” college. Using statistics, experts, and multi-factor analysis to clarify what should and should not be a worry in college planning, Barnes helps parents identify better, and often overlooked, options. In this guide, she dissects the top ten parental worries about  how to get into college, including college applications, college admissions, college requirements, and college acceptance.

Inside find:

  • The first comprehensive individualized career and academic planning guide available to parents and teens
  • Details on new innovative programs endorsed by schools, colleges, and HR departments
  • A bonus “Academic Planning Guide”

If you enjoyed books like Launch, Prepared, or Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be, you’ll love What Every Parent Needs to Know About College Admissions.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    370 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    TMA Press
  4. Publication date
    July 13, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1642503150
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1642503159
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is the go-to guide for students to find the right path, at the right time, for the right tuition amount to lead to their best career outcome. Implementing Individualized Career and Academic Planning in middle and high school helps identify interesting, high-paying careers in growth fields. Barnes' book is the first available for parents and students to plan for a successful future.”
―Anna Costaras and Gail Liss, authors of The College Bound Organizer and the forthcoming The College Bound Planner

“In What Every Parent Needs to Know About College Admissions, Barnes examines how our education systems are adapting to today’s workforce demands by combining practical experience with traditional approaches to create more opportunities for any student to access high-paying, in-demand jobs in modern fields. She walks students and parents past the limiting notion of ‘college or bust’ and explores how work-based learning in combination with related instruction can be an options multiplier for students. It’s that kind of endless possibility we’re building with CareerWise―students can start with a youth apprenticeship and end with a PhD or a corner office―and Barnes’ book helps students find the career and education paths that are right for them. Apprenticeship can be a powerful enhancement to education or a fast-track to a top career, or both.”
―Noel Ginsburg, founder, CEO, & chairman of the board at CareerWise Colorado, the nonprofit tasked with running the state-wide youth apprenticeship system in Colorado

“When it comes to college planning, some parents are like passengers sitting on deckchairs on the Titanic as it sinks, convinced the ship is unsinkable. We need a book like this to explain new realities, new changes, and new opportunities for higher education and college success.”
―Laura Miller, counseling coordinator and CTE Campus Administrator at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, Centennial, Colorado

“As a Higher Education professional with six years of experience working in Admissions, Assessment, Advising, and, presently, as a Financial Aid Specialist, I have witnessed the considerable strain navigating the college process has on students and their parents. The internet is full of advice, but so much of it is outdated or incorrect. It is evident that Christie Barnes spent many years gathering research that will vastly improve the preparation and transition process from high school to college.”
―Natalie Eck, financial aid specialist at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida

“The path from high school to higher education to a successful career is no longer a straight line. This planner is a map that will help you navigate these treacherous waters.”
―Scott Horn, PhD in Geospatial Information Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lecturer

“I’d be honored to say my kid goes to Harvard. But with my kids, I have learned you wind up where you are supposed to be. And this book explains ‘where you are supposed to be.’ We have to stop labeling, ‘reach’ schools, ‘safety’ schools―labeling is setting yourself up for disappointment. This book is great when the kid doesn’t get in somewhere, doesn’t want to go to their only options, or when they get in―is the college really the right place? This book is about understanding and running with the options that present themselves. As Barnes says, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all magic college that will bestow the perfect future on anyone who enters. Every college or higher ed experience can get you there if you are not always fixated on what you might be missing somewhere else. As Barnes says, ‘Hide the name of the college and consider the program, would it inspire my student to learn?’ The student's learning and not the school name is what matters in today's world.”
―Nina Kleinert, graduate of Beverly Hills Public Schools, mom of four Beverly Hills Public Schools' children

“A valuable book that examines how elitism affects college and career choices.”
―Bonnie Timmermann, producer/casting director

“As a mental health professional who works with teens and families, it has been disheartening and concerning to see how much the pressure to succeed in the classroom and achieve high grades and GPA scores to get into the top-name colleges has been damaging the self-esteem of many students and contributing to high levels of anxiety and depression, and even self-harming behaviors. Barnes's book is such a helpful and impactful read for parents, students, teachers, and school administrators as it gives insight not only into the problem with the culture of academic success and its negative impact, but more importantly the solutions and multiple options to help teens thrive in the right way with the right mindset that keeps their mental health and self-esteem intact.”
―Talisa Stowers, licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of 3 In One Health Counseling and Wellness Practice

About the Author

Christie Barnes is a writer, animation director (Hallmark, ABC, NBC), and mother. She is a graduate of Mt Holyoke College, and has an MA with honors from City University London. She is the author of the Paranoid Parents Guide series.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TMA Press (July 13, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1642503150
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1642503159
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

About the author

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Christie Barnes

Christie Barnes

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Christie Barnes is best known for her acclaimed Paranoid Parents Guides, countering what parents perceive as worries and dangers with facts and statistics to focus their parenting efforts. Appearing in the New York Times, on ABC, and across the nation and even crashing the NPR website, she was honored to help worried parents.

Researching her new book What Every Parent Needs to Know about College Admissions, she was shocked to find that stellar students were not getting even adequate college and career outcomes. She felt that more than research and writing about the problem was needed, so she sought professional qualifications in college and career counseling. Adding to her BA from Mount Holyoke College, graduate study at Oxford, and an MA Hons City University of London. she became a certified High School and College Career 'conversationalist,' and pursued post-master’s education and training.

This expertise took her to ‘Washington D.C.’ for the National Policy Symposium. Where she testified and advocated to senators and members of Congress about Career and Technical Education.

She has recently appeared in Forbes as an expert on college and the future of work and Reader’s Digest on Covid-19 disruption of college, with Dr Anthony Fauci.

Barnes had an earlier life in film and television, apprentice directing at the Royal Shakespeare Company, translating plays for the BBC, assistant directing award-winning TV for Channel Four. She married Oscar-nominated, Olivier award-winning playwright Peter Barnes. His sudden death when their triplets were one and daughter four, left Christie a single mother determined to be the best parent she could be—which led to her career as a respected and well-known parenting expert.

What did you worry about for your kids today?

I knew every danger that could happen and every fix but I never asked, "Does this danger happen to the average kid, to my kids?" We hear a horrible tragedy and want to protect our kids, but not everything is the same risk. Because it is our worst nightmare doesn't make it likely. I researched and found that I was losing sleep over threats that happened to one or two children a year out of 83 million children. But because it was horrific, and on the news 24/7, it took on huge importance. Worse I was missing less-telegenic but more likely dangers.

So I researched, studied endless statistics, got the validated by top experts, so I knew what were the likely dangers. Yes drugs and bullying are worries for parents but I was surprised by what is and isn't working for kids and parents.

But most of parents top 10 worries should be at the bottom of their priority list.

Fear sells but I wanted to be back in control. I wanted to teach my kids how to control their world.

Misplaced fears lead to huge spending. The Sunday New York Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Toronto Star have been great to support the book and its message. If you are worried about something for your kids, email me via www.paranoidparentsguide.com

ABC News Now

Good Morning America Parenting Expert Annie Pleshette Murphy interviews Christie Barnes on The Paranoid Parents Guide and answers the question “Are parents too overprotective?”

GMA expert and former Editor of Parent magazine, Annie Pleshette Murphy, lauded the book throughout the seven minute news feature, “I loved this clever smart book…”

Sunday New York Times

Week In Review Section, Keeping Kids Safe from the Wrong Dangers by Lisa Belkin, featured Christie Barnes and The Paranoid Parents Guide in a full page feature on parents bad risk assessment pertaining to their child’s safety.

NPR (National Public Radio)

Five Worries Parents Should Drop and Five They Shouldn’t by Megan Voss. This article about The Paranoid Parents Guide became the hit of NPR, topping website ratings; NPR said “Christie is a hit”.

Real Simple

“Worrywarts, unite! The Paranoid Parents Guide, by Christie Barnes, sheds light on all of your nagging concerns, like shark attacks or injuries on the hockey rink. The book quickly dispels myths around common worries (e.g., strangers in the street) so you (and your kids) can get a break.”

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/problem-solvers-00000000040599/page4.html

Chicago Tribune and the Tribune Newspaper Group

When Is A Child Ready to Attend A Funeral by Wendy Donahue. Christie Barnes was interviewed on the difficulty of death in the family, advise, reactions.

Reprinted nationally: Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Seattle, etc

ABC Cincinnati Evening News

What Parents Should and Shouldn’t Worry About by Tanya O’Rourke. Christie Barnes is interviewed about how parents assess dangers like the 9/11 Twin Towers destruction and images of the Columbine School Shootings. (Graphic footage)

Sirius Radio XM—Doctor Radio

"Pediatrics--On Call For Kids"/Doctor Radio, SiriusXM

Dallas Morning News

Christie Barnes appeared as a Moms Blog special guest.

Associated Content

Back to School Worries Parents Shouldn’t Have, by Jillita Horton. Christie Barnes on the subject of the right and wrong things parents worry about.

Cool Moms Picks

Rave review from premier mom website (20 million subscribers). “Once you realize the statistical realities of the concerns that cram our brains, it actually frees up a lot of mental energy, so you can stop with the anxiety start enjoying your time with your kids…”

Babble.com (Strollerderby)

Rave review from Babble.com (40 million viewers). Ten Things Parents Don’t Need to Worry About.

Conversations Magazine

Paranoid Parents Guide named #33 in the Top 100 Books of 2010.

TV-AM---Good Morning Britain (UK equivalent of GMA)

UK. Fern Britain interview about parenting multiples, parenting multiples and statistics about older parents. Christie Barnes with children. (11 minute feature) Pre-book launch.

The Guardian (Saturday Magazine Section)

UK. Photo-feature. Parenting triplets plus one. Pre-book launch.

100s of TV, radio and article appearances nationally and internationally.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
13 global ratings
Exceeded My Expectations
5 Stars
Exceeded My Expectations
I bought this book hoping it could shed some light on what to expect for my daughter’s college prospects. I am only halfway through and the content provided has already exceeded my expectations.I appreciate the author’s decision to address how we need to pull away from the mindset that Ivy League colleges are worth the cost of tuition—I am also pleasantly surprised to own a book that discusses how the college structure is changing as a result of COVID-19.I can already tell this book will help me navigate the college admission process for my daughter better than anything I’ve found online or elsewhere.
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Top reviews from the United States

Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded My Expectations
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
I bought this book hoping it could shed some light on what to expect for my daughter’s college prospects. I am only halfway through and the content provided has already exceeded my expectations.

I appreciate the author’s decision to address how we need to pull away from the mindset that Ivy League colleges are worth the cost of tuition—I am also pleasantly surprised to own a book that discusses how the college structure is changing as a result of COVID-19.

I can already tell this book will help me navigate the college admission process for my daughter better than anything I’ve found online or elsewhere.
Customer image
Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded My Expectations
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021
I bought this book hoping it could shed some light on what to expect for my daughter’s college prospects. I am only halfway through and the content provided has already exceeded my expectations.

I appreciate the author’s decision to address how we need to pull away from the mindset that Ivy League colleges are worth the cost of tuition—I am also pleasantly surprised to own a book that discusses how the college structure is changing as a result of COVID-19.

I can already tell this book will help me navigate the college admission process for my daughter better than anything I’ve found online or elsewhere.
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3 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was so helpful. So much has changed since I applied to college! The book answered all of my questions and a bunch more I didn’t think of but should have like ‘ok we got into our dream college, but how do we make the most of those (hopefully) four years’.
2 people found this helpful
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Robin Harlow
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. What a Lifesaver!
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
Bought this to help me plan for college with my kids. Really love the way the author organized everything. It’s easy to follow along and it’s definitely helping a nervous parent like me feel more secure about what to expect.
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars College and Career Planning
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is an educational, eye-opening resource for parents, students, counselors, and mentors as well as a valuable guide for helping students discover their best opportunities after high school.
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5.0 out of 5 stars What I learned when my kids went to college has changed.
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
The is a guide for a new age in higher education planning focused on the student's success not the university's.
One person found this helpful
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Linda Petrie Bunch
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Information! I gave it to all of my kids...
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2021
My kids are all preparing to send their kids to college and so I gave this informative book to each of them. Ms. Barnes has had first hand experience as a single parent sending her 4 kids to University all at the same time and so you can bet she did her research to figure out the best ways to make it happen financially. There are a lot of great ideas and good advice in this book. Can't hurt to have as much information as possible while you're making this important, expensive decision.
3 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth Rizzo
1.0 out of 5 stars Scammer
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021
Christie Barnes is a writer, animation director (Hallmark, ABC, NBC)? Then why has neither the Director's Guild nor the Animation Guild ever heard of her??? Zero credibility. P.S. Her children could only get into public school.
One person found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 stars Use common sense when reading this book full of fear-mongering and old news repurposed as "advice."
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021
The basic premise of this book is that we are now living in the "Technology Age," so everything you thought you knew about a college education is obsolete and wrong. It is directed at parents. The main premise of this book is laughable to any savvy parent, but even worse, it uses a complete "fear-mongering" approach to any parent that doesn't feel savvy about the modern college admissions process. It preys on nervous parents (look it up, this author makes her living selling guides for "paranoid parents") and uses statistics to scare parents away from four year colleges. In reality, it's not really about college admissions or even trying to evaluate the value of a college education, though it claims to be. It is also very poorly written. It's like the author gets tired of writing paragraphs so she just lists bullet points under random headings, many of which contradict themselves within the same section. It is also poorly edited. One section, titled "College Graduates New Grey Collar Destiny," alternates between the spelling "grey" and "gray." This is just not a good guide for parents, and definitely not a beginner book if you are looking to help your child. It reads as fear-mongering and cynical, and it feels like it was written by someone who, while she claims to be a college counselor, hasn't really explored the opportunities at current four year colleges.
6 people found this helpful
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