The Rebel Chick

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The College Success Plan by Annette Bosley-Boyce $30 Amazon GC & Book Giveaway

by 184 Comments

As most of my regular readers know, my daughter Angeline just began high school…Her classes include things like French, Honors Biology, AP World Geography and a bunch of other classes that will probably require me to have to consult with Professor Google for if she needs any help with her their homework!

While I am happy that my daughter did well enough in middle school to be able to get into these advanced courses, I am also worried because let’s face it: she is preparing for college.

I know it seems like light years away, but in all reality, it’s only 2 years until she begins filing out those college applications. I didn’t go to college, and I am a loss as how to help her prepare! We know that she needs to get good grades but that is the extent of my knowledge!

So when I was presented with the opportunity to review The College Success Plan by Annette Bosley-Boyce, I was ecstatic! The book was said to have all of the tools we needed to plan for college – and for life!

Before we began reading it, I expected to learn a few things in particular:

  • Discover career personality, values and skills
  • Research potential majors and careers
  • Find the college of your dreams
  • Get your college application noticed
  • Outsmart the rising cost of tuition and student loan debt
  • Develop a plan for success

Well, I finished reading The College Success Plan by Annette Bosley-Boyce last week and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. Angeline has read most of it but she has so much homework that she’s having a hard time finding the time to finish it.

Week 1

Week 1 is Self Discovery, which begins with a pretty simple concept: the more you learn, the more you earn. There is a simple example of how much one can expect with various levels of education, ranging from a high school drop out to a college graduate with a Master’s degree. Then there is the “Take time to daydream” section, which asks students to think about the things that matter to them and what accomplishments they are proud of. There is a recommended website where the student can take a personality test as well, which comes in handy! This leads to the next part of the chapter, assessing values and skills – all leading up to trying to determine what kind of career you should pursue!

Week 2

Week 2 is Career Smarts, and revolves around trying to narrow down what is important to the student. Questions combined with the personality tests allow the student to begin thinking about their future career and how much schooling they will need to work in that field. After Angeline finished answering the questions, she realized that she is going to have to at least get her master’s degree if she wants a quality of life comparable to what she has now. My favorite part of this section was day 8 when it is recommended that the student find a mentor in the career field they think they want to work in. Finding someone who actually does what a child thinks that they want to do can help them decide if the job is what they think it is!

There are also tips on how to find a mentor, finding summer jobs and volunteer opportunities to become more acquainted with your desired career and step by step instructions on how to write a resume!

Week 3

Week 3 is College Smarts, which has exercises for your child to complete in order to determine which college would be best for them. Angeline particularly enjoyed this chapter because she is getting excited about leaving the nest and moving away to college. Ha ha!

There is also a worksheet for creating a short list of the colleges your child may want to visit and find out more information about. While we have not actually written down the list yet, Angeline has already visited two colleges: Full Sail University in Orlando, and Florida International University here in Miami. While she liked Full Sail, she is determined to leave the state of Florida for college…apparently, 4 hours away isn’t far enough!

This chapter is quite extensive and leads you through creating that short list to how to visit campuses and what to do on those visits. There is even a section on how to find an angle that makes your student stand out in their college application!

Week 4

Week 4 is Applying with Confidence, and is all about preparing yourself throughout high school for that college application process. Taking a varied course load, taking honors and AP classes (which Angeline is already doing) as well as doing well in the ACT and SATs – these are all things that have a tremendous impact on your desirability to a college or university.

This chapter also has a lot of great information on preparing for the college application and essay, understanding financial aid and there is even a checklist to help you or your children!

 

Overall, I thought that The College Success Plan by Annette Bosley-Boyce really did have all of the tools Angeline needs to plan for college. There was also a lot of excellent advice that will help my husband and I as we help her plan.

I know that she won’t be applying to colleges for two more school years BUT this is actually the time for her to begin planning if she wants to get into a good school.

Are you also preparing you child for college? Would you like a copy of The College Success Plan?

Right now, you can win a signed copy of the College Success Plan by Annette Bosley-Boyce and a $30 Amazon gift card!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

While I received a promotion item, all opinions are my own. 

Comments

  55. I had no idea how complex this process is and unfortunately the counselor my son is assigned to at his high school is geared toward helping kids finished high school, not preparing them for college. This mom needs this help for her son! Thanks.

    Reply

  56. I want to win this for my niece. She’s the only part of my brother that I have left and she graduates high school this year.

    Reply

  72. One of the little girls at our church (who’s not so little anymore, I suppose!) was like a niece to me. I’d love to give it to her to give her a boost and a head start!

    Reply

  87. I want to win this for my youngest son. My daughter has already graduated from college and the time does go by fast. thank you so much!

    Reply

  90. I would love it for my niece. I might just have to pick up a copy for her and my sister-in-law too. They both are seniors this year.

    Reply

  123. I’m working on my B.A. degree in accounting right now. I have 9 classes left but I’ve been feeling really blah about it. I’d love to win this book so I can get pointers and maybe get excited to be in school again.

    Reply

  138. I want to win this for myself because I plan on going back to college soon & this would help me succeed. Thanks for the chance. 🙂

    Reply

  147. i want to win this for my little sister who just went to college and is having a hard time being one of the few miniorites on campus

    Reply

  155. I read your Travel Bucket List. Your last entry is Napa Valley. I live near Napa and it is a beautiful place. I go there often. I hope you make this your next trip. Very pretty in the fall. Green in the Spring. Go for it.

    Reply

  156. Our son is 9.5 and already has a plan in place! I would love to have this book on hand to help us help him reach his goals. Loved Travel Bucket List!!!

    Reply

  162. I want to win it for my myself and my wife, we’re thinking of going back to school. My child could also use it down the road.

    Reply

  167. I would love o win this for myself!!! College at 52 years old? Why not? I have been seriously thinking about it. I need this!

    Reply

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