College Preparation Subject Guide for High School Students

By Margaret Keir

Introduction
This subject guide is intended for use by teenagers preparing to apply and enter university. It features an array of materials pertinent to the topic; including test and essay preparation, financial assistance, and resources covering what comes after an acceptance letter. All resources are can be found at the River Grove Public Library located in River Grove, Illinois or can be requested through interlibrary loan within the SWAN system in a variety of formats. If the resource is available in print at River Grove Public Library, the corresponding call number is listed. If the resource is available electronically, or in print from a different library it can be accessed through the SWAN website (http://swan.mls.lib.il.us/) by patrons within the system.

Admissions Overview
Burtnett, Frank. (2009). Bound-for-college guidebook: a step-by-step guide to finding and applying to colleges. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Education. Burtnetts guidebook is centered on the admissions process, and provides outlines and checklists to get organized and find the school that is the best fit for their objectives. It also contains FAQs from experienced guidance counselors that provide thoughtful insights into the process. It is available in print through the SWAN system Library Journal (4/01/2009) The College blue book. (2008). Detroit: Thomson Gale. This directory provides descriptions of over a thousand different colleges, divided into sections by state. The vast amount of colleges covered will be useful to students determining where they want to apply. It is a non-circulating print item at a number of SWAN locations, but is also available as an ebook through SWAN. Choice Reviews Online (1996) Reference and Research Book News (8/2005) *Reviews refer to previous editions. Fiske, Edward B. (2010). Fiske guide to getting into the right college. Naperville, IL.: Sourcebooks. Fiskes guide aims to help prospective college students who are uncertain about their academic future and need advice on choosing an appropriate college. The resource covers using the internet in the application process, writing essays, and how to interview successfully. The item is available as an ebook through River Grove Public Library. Reference & Research Book News (2/01/2009) Fiske, Edward B. (2011). Fiske real college essays that work. Naperville, IL.: Sourcebooks. This particular resource focuses on college application essays. It provides advice on how to write an effective application essay, divided by typical admissions subjects. Also included are over 100 examples of essays from real students. This resource is available as an ebook from the River Grove Public Library, and in print through other SWAN locations. School Library Journal (11/01/2006) *Review refers to a previous edition.

Grossberg, Blythe N. (2011). Applying to college for students with ADD or LD: a guide to keep you (and your parents) sane, satisfied, and organized through the admission process. Washington, DC: Magination Press: American Psychological Association. Grossbergs text guides high-school students with learning disabilities through the process of finding the right school. It is loaded with organizational charts that break tasks down within appropriate time frames. The visuals and advice are so good that even students without any learning disabilities will find this useful. This resource is available in print through the SWAN system. BookList (1/01/2011) School Library Journal (3/01/2011) Gruber, Gary R. (2011). Grubers Complete ACT guide 2011. Naperville, Ill: Sourcebooks. Grubers guide aspires to raise students ACT scores by reviewing basic English, math science, grammar, and writing skills and encourages critical thinking strategies to be incorporated into the process. The resource is filled with practice quizzes and several full-length tests. It is available for loan through the SWAN system in print. Reference & Research Book News (4/01/2011) Israel Jerry. (2008). The 75 biggest myths about college admissions: stand out from the pack, avoid mistakes and get into the college of your dreams. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks. Israel presents and debunks myths held not only by students, but also by the counselors guiding them. Myths addressed include financial aid, standardized testing, and more. This item is available through the SWAN system. BookList (2008) McDaniel, Krista L. (2009) ACT 36: aiming for the perfect score. Hauppauge, New York: Barrons Educational Series. This book is directed at ambitious students who wish to achieve a perfect score in all sections of the ACT. It reviews content covered in the five areas of the test, includes practice questions, and gives students strategies for problem solving. This title is available in print through the SWAN system. Reference & Research Book News (8/01/2009) Osborne, Paul. (2009). LD SAT study guide. New York, N.Y. : Alpha. This guide is geared specifically for students with various types of learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD/ADD, and memory difficulties. It explains how to apply for SAT accommodations and gives specialized test taking tips, and provides plenty of practice problems. This resource is available for loan through the SWAN system. Reference & Research Book News, (2/01/2010) Springer, Sally P. (2009). Admission matters what students and parents need to know about getting into college. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Springer details the admissions process at top universities for both teens and their parents. It examines what admissions counselors look for, how to put together a competitive application package, and also includes information on financial aid and early admissions. This title is available as an ebook from River Grove Library and in print at other SWAN locations. Library Journal (9/15/2005) BookList (8/01/2005) *Reviews refer to a previous edition.

Financial Assistance
ALA. (2011). How to pay for college a library how-to handbook. New York, NY: Skyhorse Pub: American Library Association. In this book the ALA provides an overview on picking a college, filling out college applications, and obtaining scholarships and other financial aid. This resource is available as an ebook from the River Grove Public Library. Reference & Research Book News (6/01/2011) Bissonnette, Zac. (2010). Debt-free U: how I paid for an outstanding college education without loans, scholarships, or mooching off my parents. New York: Portfolio. Bissonnette advises students on how to pay for a college education without taking out large loans. Among his suggestions are working in college and during school breaks, and attending a community college before transferring to a reasonably priced four-year university. It is a timely guide in the current economy. This resource is available as an ebook from the River Grove Public Library and in print through other SWAN locations. BookList (9/01/2010) Magill, Elizabeth. (2012) College financing information for teens: tips for a successful financial life: including facts about planning, saving, and paying for postsecondary education, with information about college savings plans, grants, loans, scholarships, community and military service, and more. Detroit MI: Omnigraphics. College financing endeavors to help teens and their guardians in paying for a college education. There are a good deal of financial terms covered that the average teen may not be familiar with, so this is one that parent and child might benefit from reading together. The broad overview of scholarships, thrifty living, credit cards and budgeting makes it a good start for teens who desire to know more on the subject. This title is available for loan through the SWAN system. BookList (2012) Library Journal (5/05/2012) Reference & Research Book News (2/01/2012) Silver, Don. (2007). High school money book. Los Angeles: Adams-Hall Pub. Silvers text educates students on earning, budgeting, and saving money to put towards college and other future expenditures. This title is available as an ebook through the River Grove Public Library and in print at other SWAN locations. School Library Journal (6/01/2007)

Freshman Firsts
Carle, Megan. (2007). College cooking: feed yourself and your friends. Berkeley CA: Ten Speed Press. Cooking in a dorm is a world away from cooking at home. College cooking starts with the basics, such as what food staples and kitchen gadgets are worth purchasing. It contains a variety of recipes. This resource is available as an ebook through the River Grove Public Library. Library Journal (3/15/2007) Publishers Weekly (2007)

Cohen, Harlan. (2005). The naked roommate: and 107 other issues you might run into at college. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks. Cohn provides advice that is both honest and humorous. All of the major aspects of college life the typical college freshman might face are tackled including alcohol, roommates, student organizations, dating, money, Greek life, and more. This might just calm a nervous freshman-to-be down. This is available in print through the SWAN system. School Library Journal (4/01/2005) Publishers Weekly Review (2005) DaSilva-Gordon, Maria, (2010). Your first year of college : from classroom to dorm room. New York NY: Rosen Pub. This book introduces students to college life. It includes information on balancing time between academic obligations and a social life. Additionally, this selection also touches on loans and scholarships available to students, while also outlining the current economys impact on selecting a college. This resource is available in print through the SWAN system. School Library Journal (6/01/2010) Jacobs, Lynn F. (2010). The secrets of college success: Over 600 Tips & Tricks Revealed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This title is filled with practical advice for the college freshman. It details the most common issues college students can find challenging, such as time management and effective studying. It also has sections on less often-covered topics such as studying abroad and how to get into a closed class that students will find helpful. It is available in print through the SWAN system. Library Journal (2010) School Library Journal (12/01/2010) McMillan, Terry. (2006). It's ok if you're clueless: and 23 more tips for the college bound. New York: Viking. Novelist McMillan shares the advice she first gave to her own sons high school class. It is filled with bits of wisdom that are not often thought of sharing. This title is available both in print at River Grove Public Library and as an ebook. Publishers Weekly (7/10/2006) Library Journal (DATE) Call # 378.198 McMillan Seuss, Dr. (1990). Oh, the places youll go!. New York: Random House. This is not a traditional resource for college-hopefuls, but this cherished childrens book has come to have an appeal to readers of all ages due to its message and wit. It is worth a read as one enters a new stage of life. This title is available in print, as an ebook, and as an audiobook/cd through the SWAN system. Kirkus Reviews (1990) Childrens Literature (2010) * Childrens Literature review referred to the 20th anniversary edition