THE COLLEGE CONVERSATION by Eric Furda and Jacques Steinberg is exactly as described in its subtitle: "A Practical Companion for Parents to Guide Their Children Along the Path to Higher Education." Furda (Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania) and Steinberg (author of The Gatekeepers almost two decades ago) repeatedly offer advice to parents such as "this is your opportunity as a parent to set a tone that will encourage your child to value the four years of high school as its own experience, rather than as merely a means to an end" in an effort to ease some of the stress and pressure which students face. The authors explicitly note that parents, counselors and even those in the admissions field recognize "that students have been pushed too hard in recent years at the expense of learning and well-being." Written before the pandemic forced some limits, Furda and Steinberg encourage students to carefully make the "tough decisions" about extracurricular involvement, be it for areas where they excel, those in which they truly enjoy participating (choir member vs soloist), or an opportunity for self-reflection and service to others. The text is divided into sections (an outline of "conversations" and recommended activities) on the Discovery Phase, the Search, the Application, the Decision, and the Transition, with each offering helpful details and suggested timelines. All of this relevant information (e.g., mention to the common app spreadsheet on "First Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements" and references to school-related services like Naviance) should prove useful insight, particularly for parents navigating the process with a child for the first time.

I wish I could travel back in time and give my teenage self this book. As the first in my family to attend a university (not a trade school or junior college), I really hadn't known what I was looking for or what the admissions process really looked like overall. Eventually, I ended up working in admissions myself, and I still coach students to prepare applications, so I'd like to think my current knowledge is well above average. I can say, then, that the authors really know their subject matter and are helpful in guiding a family to support the student in finding a place to thrive.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.