Countdown to College

21 'To Do' Lists for High School

An easy timeline to help high school students maximize each of their 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years and optimize their chances of getting into the college of their choice. These 'to do' lists provide both students and parents with the 'nitty gritty' details necessary to prepare for the college admissions process. There will be no missed deadlines or missed opportunities as this step-by-step guide show students and parents WHAT TO DO and WHEN TO DO IT! No family with college bound high schoolers should be without this comprehensive, easy to follow, resource.

Valerie Pierce

Valerie Pierce, M.Ed, is a counselor in a Title 1 high school in the Cypress Fairbanks School District and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in Texas.  As a first generation college graduate herself, she is committed to helping students from all backgrounds prepare for college and/or post secondary career programs. Over the last fifteen years, through city wide community parent and student workshops, nonprofit online and in person seminars and through her professional school counseling responsibilities, Valerie has helped thousands of first generation and traditional students streamline the seemingly daunting process of academic planning, finding resources and applying to college.  The inspiration for her book began with the lists that Valerie originally created to prepare her own daughter for college. These lists were continually updated for other students she counseled, and then again for her son many years later.  Her savvy, insightful advice and committment to the success of these young people is reflected in the comprehensive, yet easy to follow timeline the book provides. Valerie continues to be passionate about sharing her knowledge and continues to help high school students achieve their educational goals.

Cheryl Rilly

Cheryl Rilly is a gifted researcher and writer in the educational arena. At the time this book was written, she was also the 'official' mentor and 'go-to' person for her niece, Jessica, on all things related to Jess's acceptance to the colleges of her choice. That propelled Ms. Rilly on a mission to learn the nuances of college admissions requirements for colleges across the nation. That knowledge, in combination with Valerie Pierce's expertise and daily interaction with college bound high schoolers in Texas, is the source for this comprehensive, yet engaging book. It's an invaluable resource for students and parents alike. (Jessica was admitted and graduated from her 'dream' college.)

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