Our 2024 Summer Reading Picks

What did the Columbia and Wake Forest applications have in common this past year? Both asked students to share information about books they’d read!

Yes, reading is a great way to pass the time in general, but it can be especially important for rising seniors to pick up a few books while hitting the beach this summer. Remember, even if students aren’t applying to schools that ask about books in the application, they still need to be prepared to discuss reading material in college interviews.

Unfortunately, selecting books to discuss, whether in an interview setting or in a supplemental essay, can be tricky. Students have to find the right balance. War and Peace? Nobody is going to believe a 17-year-old chose to read that for fun. And yet the trashy beach reads won’t be your best bet, either.

Instead, we advise our students to try to find texts that are in alignment with their academic (or extracurricular) interests and overall application narrative, yet aren’t dry and obscure, either.

Check out our top pics below — no matter your intended major, we’ve got options for you!

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‘Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space’ by Adam Higginbotham

If you're into gripping true stories, check out this book about the 1986 Challenger disaster. It dives into the tragic event where the space shuttle broke apart just seventy-three seconds after launch. All seven crew members were killed, including a teacher named Christa McAuliffe. This book isn't just packed with facts—it's also super inspiring and thought-provoking. You'll get the full scoop on what led up to the accident, the disaster itself, and the investigation afterward. Plus, it touches on big themes like ambition, ingenuity, political drama, and heroism. 

We recommend this for students interested in history, politics, science, and engineering – or anyone who can appreciate a good real-life thriller!

‘Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection’ by Charles Duhigg

Check out this book for a fascinating read that can up your communication game! Imagine being in a jury room where one person manages to get everyone on the same page, or a young CIA officer convincing a reluctant foreign agent, or a top surgeon trying to persuade a patient to choose a safer form of treatment. This book is packed with cool stories like these, showing how great communicators work their magic.

Duhigg explains that every conversation has three layers: practical (what’s this about?), emotional (how do we feel?), and social (who are we?). Knowing which one you’re dealing with can make a huge difference in connecting with people. You'll learn how to pick up on emotions, negotiations, and beliefs that shape our talks. By the end, you'll get that with the right tools, you can connect with anyone. 

We recommend this for students interested in communications, business, and politics  – or anyone looking to improve their communication skills in a fun and engaging way!

‘James’ by Percival Everett

If you enjoyed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you have to check out this book, which reimagines the classic story from Jim's perspective! When Jim hears he's about to be sold and separated from his family, he hides on Jackson Island and meets Huck. Together they embark on a dangerous adventure, aiming for the Free States. Everett's version keeps all the exciting elements of the original — floods, storms, treasure hunts, and run-ins with scam artists — but it shines a new light on Jim. You'll see his intelligence, agency, and compassion in a way that the original story didn't show. This book is packed with humor and sharp observations that make it an electrifying read. It also dives into serious themes including language, race, and power.

We recommend this for students interested in English literature, race and culture, psychology, or sociology  –  or anyone interested in stories that mix adventure with deep, thought-provoking themes. 

‘Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business’ by Adam Pearson

Dive into this exciting memoir about a family's adventure in the northern Peruvian jungle. They stumble upon a rare cacao bean, once thought extinct, and their journey turns into an epic chocolate business story! This book takes you through their struggles and triumphs as they decide to disrupt the traditional supply chain by trading directly with farmers. Their efforts not only produce what the BBC calls "the Rolex of chocolate" but also help lift farmers out of poverty. A tale of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, the book shows how gut instincts and determination can lead to incredible success.

We recommend this for students interested in business, politics, or global studies  –  or anyone interested in adventure and making a difference in the world.

‘All the Gold Stars’ by Rainesford Stauffer

Dig into the pressures of ambition and how it leads to burnout! From gold stars in grade school to getting into the "right" college and grinding at work, our drive to achieve is celebrated but often comes with serious downsides. The book explores how cultural, personal, and societal expectations push us to tie our worth to productivity, limit our imaginations, and drive us apart. 

Through her own story of ambition and burnout, along with interviews with students, parents, workers, psychologists, and labor organizers, Stauffer uncovers the common pressures we all face. This book challenges us to rethink what success really means and offers new ways to approach ambition that's more about caring for ourselves and each other. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone feeling the weight of expectations and looking for a healthier way to achieve their goals.

‘The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security’ by Scott Galloway

If you want to get a head start on financial success, check out The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway. Today's world offers more opportunities and mobility than ever, but also some big challenges like inflation, housing shortages, and climate issues. The old financial advice your parents followed just doesn't cut it anymore!

In this book, you’ll learn how to choose a career by focusing on your talent (not just your passion!); how to adopt a mindset that will help you develop better financial habits; and how to make small steps now that will have a big impact later. 

We recommend this for students interested in economics or business – or anyone looking to make smart money moves!

‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’ by Jonathan Haidt

If you're curious about why so many teens are struggling with mental health issues, check out this book, which dives into why rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide skyrocketed for teens starting in the early 2010s.

Haidt, a social psychologist, breaks down the facts about this mental health crisis and explores how childhood has changed. He explains how kids used to grow up with lots of play and independence, but starting in the 1980s, this "play-based childhood" started disappearing. By the early 2010s, the rise of smartphones completely changed how kids grow up. Learn how this shift has messed with adolescent development, from sleep problems to addiction, loneliness, and constant social comparison. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone interested in understanding and tackling the mental health challenges facing Gen Z. 

‘There’s Always this Year: On Basketball and Ascension’ by Hanif Abdurraqib

This book dives into what it means to succeed, who deserves it, and the tension between excellence and expectations. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the '90s, Abdurraqib experienced an amazing era of basketball where legends like LeBron James were born. He combines his personal stories with a deep exploration of basketball's impact on culture. The book is filled with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope, and it’s creatively structured like a basketball game, divided into quarters with "timeouts" that mix prose with poetry. 

We recommend this for students interested in sports, race and culture, or psychology – or anyone who loves powerful storytelling!

‘The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport’ by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg

If you're into fast cars and thrilling stories, you need to check out this epic story of how Formula 1 (F1) racing went from being a distant third behind NASCAR and IndyCar in America to leading the pack in 2023. It dives into F1’s fearless reinvention and its breakthrough in the US. With fast cars, engineering geniuses, driver rivalries, and glamorous settings, you'll see how F1's rise in America was actually decades in the making. It's all about constant transformation and bold moves.

This book isn't just about sports; it's a high-octane history of how modern F1 racing came to be. It's the first book to cover the outrageous successes and spectacular crashes that led F1 to its current, thrilling moment. 

We recommend this for students interested in cars, engineering, popular culture and business – or anyone who wants to know how F1 broke into the American sports scene with style, cash, and personality!

Runner-Ups

• ‘Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI’ by Ethan Mollick 

• ‘Hot Dog Money: Inside the Biggest Scandal in the History of College Sports’ by Guy Lawson

• ‘Cue The Sun! The Invention of Reality TV’ by Emily Nussbaum

• ‘The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony’ by Annabelle Tometich

• ‘A Thousand Times Before: A Novel’ by Asha Thanki

• ‘The Cemetery of Untold Stories’ by Julia Alvarez

• ‘What this Comedian Said Will Shock You’ by Bill Maher

• ‘The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq’ by Steve Coll

• ‘Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis’ by Jonathan Blitzer

• ‘ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD’ by Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness

• ‘Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water’ by Amorina Kingdon

• ‘WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE: AN ORAL HISTORY OF D-DAY’ by GARRETT GRAFF

Our 2023 Fiction Summer Reading List!

Forget your science textbooks and your mandatory AP reading lists! Summer is just around the corner, and now’s the time for FUN reading. We’ve been busy scouring the latest book releases, and we’ve put together a list of our favorite fiction titles for Summer 2023. And we promise, there’s something for everyone! Whether you love murder mysteries, high school drama, or time travel, there’s a title for you to take to the beach or pool!

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Have you ever made a new friend thanks to Xbox? That’s the case for Sam and Sadie, who become best buddies over their shared love of video games. As they grow older, they turn their hobby into a gaming empire. Read this New York Times best-selling book to follow their thirty-year journey of friendship and collaboration.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

An Irish mob, a missing teenage girl, and a dead African American man– Small Mercies has all the makings of an intriguing mystery. Set in 1970s Boston, the novel follows the journey of Mary Pat, who sets out to find her missing daughter and ends up finding much more than she bargained for. The novel explores themes of race, class, and power and is sure to keep any reader intrigued. This novel just came out in late April, but it is already getting great reviews and would be a fantastic addition to your summer reading list!

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

Hannah Doe is a teenage girl who has just been admitted to a mental hospital. Everyone thinks she’s suffering from hallucinations, but Hannah knows the truth: she’s stuck between two worlds, and now she must return to the past in order to save her sister. But who will help her? We’ll admit that The Girl in the Castle is long, but don’t let the 368 pages scare you away. This is a quick, thrilling read that will definitely capture your attention with its mix of fantastical and psychological elements. 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This novel became a best seller and book of the year in 2022. And we know why! Lessons in Chemistry is a lighthearted read about a female chemist in the 1960s who reinvents herself as a cooking show host and a champion of gender equality. This “beach read” would be great to take with you on summer vacation, especially if you’re interested in gender studies.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

It started as a typical Monday afternoon, but it ended as a murder mystery. In One of Us is Lying, five teens walk into detention, but only four walk out. Simon has died, and everyone wants to know why. Who had a motive to kill Simon? Could it be one of his friends? Maybe the other students in detention know the answers, but will they tell their secrets? This book- the first in a three-part series-  might not be challenging enough for eleventh and twelfth graders, but it’s a great pick for students ages 13-16, especially those who are reluctant readers. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Yellowface is the ultimate cautionary tale of plagiarism! June Hayward is a white woman and aspiring writer who fears that readers won’t think her stories are diverse or exciting. So when a fellow writer-an Asian-American woman-dies unexpectedly, June steals her newly-finished story about Chinese laborers in WWI. June adopts a Chinese-American persona, passes the story off as her own, and finds great success. But at what cost? Read Yellowface to see what happens when you try to be someone you’re not.

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre

The Spy and the Traitor tells the intriguing tale of Oleg Gordievsky, a Russian spy who helped put an end to the Cold War. Blending history, politics, and mystery, this novel will have you on the edge of your seat for over 300 pages. No wonder it’s a New York Times bestseller! Any student interested in criminology, political intrigue, or history is sure to enjoy this book. 

True Biz by Sara Novic

In True Biz, author Sara Novic gives a voice to a silent world. Deaf children are usually isolated by their disability, but that’s not the case at River Valley School for the Deaf. At this school, hearing-impaired teens find a unique community where they can conquer family struggles, growing pains, and the unique challenges of a disability together. Be sure to pick up this book if you want to see how their journeys unfold and discover why this novel was voted as one of the best books of 2022 by The Washington Post.

Stay tuned!

Next week we’ll be sharing our nonfiction summer reading list. If you have any favorite titles to share, please leave a comment.

Our Fiction Summer Reading List

Last week we shared our favorite new nonfiction releases that are perfect additions to your summer reading list. Now we’re delving into the world of science fiction, fantasy, murder mysteries, and more as we curate our favorite fiction releases for summer 2022.

Sea of Tranquility- Emily St. John Mandel

What does an early 20th century teenage exile have in common with a professional writer from a moon colony in 2203? Emily St. John Mandel has the answer. Weaving together time travel with science fiction and a bit of post-apocalyptic flair, Mandel masterfully combines the stories of several characters over three centuries. This rather quick read will leave you constantly wondering how these lives have crossed into a twenty-fifth century investigation. Although Sea of Tranquility was just released in April, it’s already a popular title with thousands of rave reviews! See what you think for yourself!

All My Rage- Sabba Tahir

Sabaa Tahir’s latest young adult release follows the journey of two friends who both feel like outcasts growing up in California. As they face family pressures, cultural clashes, and life-altering secrets, both characters battle with the age old question: who am I? This novel isn’t exactly a light-hearted read, but it’s a modern coming-of-age story that captures all of the complexities of becoming an adult.

The Maid: A Novel -Nita Prose

If you’re looking for a little mystery in your life, then this is the book for you! In The Maid, we get to know Molly, a quirky twenty-five year old who works as a hotel cleaner. She loves her job…until the unimaginable happens. Suddenly Molly is the prime suspect in a murder case and must set out to clear her name. This novel is a fun read and will have you feeling like you’re playing the classic board game Clue.

The Kaiju Preservation Society- John Scalzi

What do you do when you hate your job? That’s the question that sets Jamie- the main character in The Kaiju Preservation Society- on the adventure of a lifetime. Eager to quit delivering food for a big food app, Jamie accepts a new position that is literally out of this world. The novel follows Jamie as he navigates an alternate universe void of any humans and the biggest responsibility of all: to protect Earth from the Kaiju monsters. We’ll admit that this book is absurd, but that’s what makes it an ideal summer read for science fiction lovers.

The Foundling- Ann Leary

Even though The Foundling won’t be released until the end of May, we couldn’t leave it off our summer reading list. Set in the 1920s, The Foundling tells the story of a young psychiatrist who accepts a job at a mental asylum for women. Although the asylum claims to help women, not everything is what it seems. As the young doctor starts to uncover the real truth behind mental illness treatments, our main character is faced with life-altering decisions. This novel is based on real life accounts from the author’s own grandmother and is already receiving favorable reviews. From what we’ve read so far, we think this is a worthy read for anyone with an interest in psychology and/or history.

How High We Go in the Dark- Sequoia Nagamatsu

In How High We Go in the Dark, Sequoia Nagamatsu blends short stories with the novel. Through a series of chapters (or episodes), we follow the lives of several characters as they rebuild after a global pandemic in the year 2030. Now we admit that this theme might feel a bit too real and heavy for many of us, but don’t worry. There are many fantastical elements that bring in the best of science fiction, dystopian worlds, and more. PS: Curiously, this book was drafted before the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it all the more fascinating to see how Nagamatsu’s imagination measures up against the realities of the past two years.

Not ready to pick up a book?

Are you short on time? Or maybe not a big book lover? Well, there are plenty of ways to delve into a great story and keep up on the best literature. Here are some alternatives to your traditional summer reading.

Book of the Day Podcast

If you want to tune in to the latest reads, check out NPR’s Book of the Day Podcast. In fifteen minutes or less, the hosts will tell you all you need to know about a particular title. There’s a huge variety of texts and genres covered, which will leave you feeling well-read in barely any time.

Book Riot Podcast

The hosts of Book Riot track all of the latest trends, worthy recommendations, and coolest writers in the book world. Whether you’re looking to keep up with literary news or discover a new title or genre to read yourself, this is a great place to start.

Literary Hub

The title pretty much sums it up. Visit the Literary Hub website for book recommendations and reviews; literary news articles and cultural commentary, and more.

Follow us on Instagram

Take advantage of social media by following these book-loving accounts on IG:

• @BOOKOFTHEMONTH

• @GOODREADS

• @REESESBOOKCLUB

• @NYTBooks

What's on Your Shelfie?

Today we are celebrating one of our favorite holidays: library shelfie day! Now we realize that this day probably isn’t marked on most peoples’ calendars, but with an office full of English majors, we can’t resist taking some shelfies.

So what exactly is a shelfie? It’s simply a selfie for book lovers. On the fourth Wednesday of January each year, readers from all over the country photograph themselves with their personal bookshelves or favorite texts. Some even make special trips to local libraries to get creative with their shelfies in the stacks before posting their photos for the world to see. #libraryshelfie

The New York Public Library started this tradition in 2014, not just because selfies were trending but because e-readers were too. Many feared the disappearance of libraries and good old-fashioned paper books. Shelfie Day celebrates the role libraries continue to play in communities and the great books that shape us.

So in the spirit of Library Shelfie Day, here are some of our favorite titles and recommended reads.

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COLLEEN

One of Colleen’s favorite books of all time is Random Family by Adrien Nicole LeBlanc. It's a New York Times Editors’ Choice book, and it will leave you thinking about urban poverty in a completely new way. It's also a page-turner - She taught it to a class of reluctant 11th grade readers over 15 years ago, and they loved it as much as she did!

Colleen’s other favorite, which is on her kindle, is Chris Voss’ Never Split the Difference. In fact, she’s recommended it on the blog before as a good summer reading choice that students can list on their applications. It’s written by an FBI agent and teaches practical negotiation techniques for use in everyday life using a concept called “tactical empathy.” Colleen says it’s the most impactful book she’s ever read, and she uses Voss’ techniques constantly. They really work!

SHANNON

Shannon took to the DC College Counseling bookshelves for her shelfie. One of her favorite professional titles is the Fiske Guide to Colleges, which she recommends to our families. It’s a fantastic book for college research, providing plenty of facts and data all in one place (instead of 15 open tabs on your computer!). 

Shannon also likes Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, which just so happens to be the book we gifted to our graduating seniors last year. It’s written by Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former dean at Stanford, who raises the very important question: what does it actually mean to be an adult? You might be surprised by the answer, so definitely add this one to your bookshelf!

STACI

Staci first read Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School several years ago when she became a speed reading trainer and needed to apply these rules to her classes. The book is written by a molecular biologist who explains rules for cognition, memory, and learning in a simple, entertaining style. No Ph.D. needed to understand how these brain rules can enhance your everyday life!

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LOOKING FOR A RECOMMENDED READ?

If all this talk of books and libraries has left you eager to delve into a new text, here are some titles we recommend to teens preparing for college.

There’s nothing better than an inspirational story to get you motivated. We love Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation, a recently published story of culture, American dreams, and high school sports. David Goggin’s Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds is also a great option, especially for those who like a mix of autobiography and coaching. 

When it comes to college admissions, we always stress goal setting and productivity, so it’s no surprise that we recommend Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (or the teen version, Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens) along with Atomic Habits. 

We also like Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know. It explains the psychology behind our communication techniques and the things we assume about the people we meet. This is an interesting text for anyone who’s on the cusp of building their professional network! 

Finally, we have some picks to help you explore your favorite subjects even more. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike will take you through the trials and tribulations of building a business (perfect for any young entrepreneur!). I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond explores the basics of financial literacy for young adults–through pizza! It puts an entertaining spin on important skills students should have before they enter college. We also like Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors- a text that shows how math is always working behind the scenes in our world, even when it makes mistakes. And we can’t forget a great new work of literature: Klara and the Sun. Author Kazuro Ishiguo takes a look at the role of AI and technology through the eyes of a truly unique narrator. 

If you want to participate in National Shelfie Day, snap a picture and don’t forget the hashtag: #libraryshelfie

Summer Reading Choices During the College Admissions Process

Memorial Day weekend has passed and another summer is upon us!

I always tell rising seniors to make sure to fit in some time over the summer for summer reading. Some schools will ask in an interview setting about recent books read, and others ask about books in supplemental essays.

There are also schools that don’t ask about this at all, but it’s not like you have anything to lose by picking up a book, and trust me - you’ll be glad you got it out of the way. It’s terrible to be juggling a million different things and having to then squeeze in a random book to read. Just do it now while you have time!

You can’t just pick out any random text, though. It’s important to be mindful of the admissions process ahead and the manner in which you will ultimately need to use the information you gained.

If you pick something that you read in school, it will look like you aren’t intellectually curious and don’t read on your own time. It’s also pretty hard to hide which books you read on your own time vs. which you read for school. I remember I had to read Brideshead Revisited during the summer going into my senior year. Worst book ever. Not a chance that could have been passed off as my choice!

Instead, I always advise selecting a book that (a) does not sound like it was something that would have been read in the classroom, and (b) is relevant - both to your interests in some way and also to society as a whole.

Selections that fit the above criteria will not only seem more authentic, but they will also be more enjoyable to read and will make for engaging conversation in an interview setting. This is not the time for obscure books.

Here are some of my top picks for Summer 2020:

The Art of Showing Up: How to be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Miller

This book examines what is at the root of creating and maintaining meaningful, close relationships in adulthood: showing up for yourself and for those you love. Students interested in the social sciences or anyone interested in learning more about how to grow and maintain relationships, especially now, would be interested in this book. Check out the author’s recent segment on NPR - it does not actually start until 2:30.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

Written by a former FBI international hostage negotiator, this book shares a practical guide to helping us become more persuasive in our professional and personal lives. Students interested in business, psychology, sociology, and education should definitely pick up this book this summer - or really any student interested in interpersonal interactions! This book was written several years ago but has gained popularity recently because of Chris Voss’ Masterclass on negotiating (it seems like every person in America is on Masterclass right now!). One of my students recommended this to me after taking the Masterclass and I am about halfway through it. I highly recommend it! I have learned a TON and am enjoying practicing on my family members ;-)

Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld

What if Hillary Rodham hadn’t married Bill Clinton? From a New York Times bestselling author, this book looks back at the life of the 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee and considers how her determined path to a political career may have shifted if she had not said yes to the charismatic law student from Arkansas in 1975. A student interested in political science, women and gender studies, or history would definitely enjoy this summer read! I also absolutely love this author (sorry, my inner English teacher is coming out)! Here’s a recent review from the Washington Post.

Where to pick up the books:

Did you know we have a great independent bookseller right here in Vienna called Bard’s Alley? I am all about shopping small these days!

You can go directly to their website’s ordering page, which offers a number of different ordering methods. Word on the street is that you can even get your books delivered to your house via bicycle along with yummy snacks. How cool is that?! You can also order from them through Bookshop.org, an online service run by The American Booksellers Association; Libro.fm, which offers a wide selection of audiobooks; and Hummingbird for e-book editions. 

At the same time, you can submit email requests to them directly using this form.  

Want more suggestions?

Our full summer reading guide has already been uploaded to our new membership vault! If you’re a current client and want the guide now before the site launches, shoot Donna an email and she’ll send you a copy.

Colleen's Favorite Things

One for you, and you, and you, and you…

Anyone else love the Oprah’s Favorite Things list that comes out each year? I usually end up buying myself a whole bunch of things I didn’t know I “needed" but suddenly have to have! Fortunately (or unfortunately), this year ‘s list didn’t impress me all that much. Nothing really called my name!

Even so, I felt inspired to create my own list of “favorite things” for parents and students who are either in the middle of the admissions process or about to embark on it! Some are practical, some are fun - enjoy!

• Rick Clark and Brennan Barnard’s relatively-new book, The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together. Ok, full disclosure, I haven’t read it yet. BUT - I am a big fan of Rick Clark’s blog and have no reason to believe that the book won’t be just as great. I already had it on my reading list when I happened to sit next to the publisher on the flight home from NACAC, and he made me even more excited to read it.

• I’m not sure if I can really count a Southwest Companion Pass, because you can’t exactly buy one, but it’s my list so I make the rules, right? Every parent taking teens on college tours - and the teen himself! - will appreciate one of these so much. If you spend enough money on the card in early 2020 (or take enough flights), Southwest lets you select a companion of your choice. That companion can fly with you for free for the rest of the calendar year plus the following entire calendar year. You just have to maintain the same level of spending/flying and your pass will auto-renew for the following year and thereafter. I have had mine for several years now and am obsessed! My daughter and I zip all over the place and I can change my companion three times per year.

• How fun would it be to stick a homesick candle in the stocking of an ED admit!? These candles “tap into your sensory memory through nostalgic scents” and have probably the most amazing product descriptions I’ve ever read. Here’s what they say about the Durham candle: “The sweet scent of daffodils blooming in March and Carolina dogwood found flowering near K-ville. Cedarwood, musk, pecans, and burning bench wood round out the final four scents of this championship candle.” It looks like a lot of the college-themed ones have sold out but hopefully they will restock soon. And if the person who writes those descriptions ever comes across this post, please send me your resume because I would hire you in a heartbeat!

• The Rocketbook Everlast is a fantastic “smart notebook” at an incredibly low price point. It integrates with Evernote, Google Drive and more for seamless note-taking. I bring mine to information sessions all the time, take notes, and then can easily upload them to google drive without having to retype everything. Great for parents or students, but from the student perspective, these will make writing the “Why this college” supplemental essays so much easier - and at this price point, it’s not the end of the world if it gets lost.

• The stress involved in the college admissions process can turn even the most calm student OR parent into a basket case, but these adorable Mindfulness cards can help!

• Every ED admit I know stocks up on college apparel like there’s no tomorrow - check out Hillflint instead of buying whatever pops up first on google. They offer trendier, more upscale sweaters, sweatshirts and so on and are sold at stores like Nordstrom and Saks. Everything has sort of a retro feel and are much higher quality than a typical piece of clothing from a college bookstore, although now some bookstores have started to contract directly with Hillflint to provide merchandise, which is pretty cool too.

• Last but not least… a gift certificate for an 11th-12th grade Strategy and Planning Session will help students separate fact from fiction and move forward in the college process with a solid plan in place. The gift certificate includes a booking code that allows the student to book the session online at their convenience, so it’s really easy for nieces/nephews, grandchildren, etc. While I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone, a January session can also present a strategic opportunity for a senior who may have been deferred from her first-choice school. We can sit together to come up with an action plan to move forward in a positive way and maximize the chances of good news in the spring.

• We also have gift certificates for 8th-10th grade Strategy and Planning Sessions as well. And someone feeling VERY generous can purchase a gift certificate for an entire package - shoot us an email and we can provide details.

Winter Reading

I decided that today’s snow day would be the perfect time to recommend some “winter reading” in preparation for college essays, because summer will be too late!

Unless there are some major changes over the next few months, it’s likely that students applying to UVA, Emory, Wake Forest, Columbia, Davidson, Princeton and others will need to write an essay or at least reference a recent book read - in some cases, multiple books! Questions about books are very common in college interview settings.

What’s the best kind of book to pick for this purpose? Well, for starters, make sure it’s something that you’d actually enjoy reading. One common misconception is that it is better to pick a book that sounds “academic.” I actually think that this is the worst kind of book to pick! Any college admissions officer worth her salt is going to know that a 17-year-old did not sit on the beach reading War and Peace or Atlas Shrugged for fun. That will be perceived as extraordinarily inauthentic at best and a lie at worst.

Instead, my personal favorite type of book for this purpose would fall in the “popular non-fiction” category. Definitely geared towards a mainstream reader and easy enough for a beach read, but still relevant and important for an intellectually curious person. Bonus points if the book is somewhat related to a hobby, passion, or potential area of study.

Here are some ideas:

1. Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy. This is great for anyone, because the opioid crisis is an enormous problem facing our society right now. However, I’d particularly recommend it for anyone interested in public policy, political science, medicine, public health, sociology or psychology.

2. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. Another text that’s great for anyone, and it got so much press this year. A particularly good choice for education or social science majors.

3. American Prison by Shane Bauer. A good option for those interested in law (particularly criminal justice reform) and race relations. This is a little less mainstream than the first two and may be a harder sell for someone that has no demonstrated interest in anything related.

4. Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs. Another popular selection that anyone would like, but definitely good for those interested in technology or psychology.

Check out the New York Times for more ideas!