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When you scan the array of college prep books, there are a scarily huge number of look-alike titles — all of which sound like crucial reading. Here, we’ve boiled it down to five great books that really get it right.

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  This book is co-written by four academic experts. One author, Jon Reider, is a former admissions advisor at Stanford University. praises the book as, “thorough and psychologically sensitive, making it a good read for the overwhelmed or under-prepared student.” (And their parents, too.)
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  Don’t be misled by the hyperbolic title and the Ivy publisher (Princeton Review); this book is fun! Two notable pats on the back: Seventeen magazine calls it, “Our favorite college guidebook,” and according to Rolling Stone, it’s “the most efficient of the college guidebooks… [with] entertaining profiles.”
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  Perfect for idealists old and young, this compendium features ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵs based on their reputation for fostering students’ personal growth.
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  This book is an eye-opener and helps diffuse the idea that there are only a handful of worthy ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵs. The for being, “a book that will broaden the conversation, make it a little saner, and go a long way toward helping parents maintain perspective.”
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  This handy book is written by Edward B. Fiske, former education editor of the New York Times. This best-selling college guide delves into the unique personalities of the 320+ best colleges and universities, with tips from current students and superb descriptions of each campus.

Want to steer your teenager toward parts of these books without being pushy? Use a yellow marker to highlight what you regard as exciting segments and choices in these five books. You can use different colors to indicate reach, target, and safety ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵs. Don’t highlight too many, unless your teen asks for additional help, and above all, let them know you respect their decisions.

College prep timelines

Check out our month-by-month college prep timelines for 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.