The 21st Century Student’s Guide to College

Helping students gain confidence on the path to college and career.

both college readiness books side-by-side
comic image of girl at desk panicking over test

The college prep process can be daunting for many students…

No matter what a student’s background and experience is, most encounter some obstacle to understanding the college prep process.

For many, the unfamiliar and (overly)complicated college preparation and application process proves too difficult to manage. Others fail to grasp the importance of a rigorous college prep until too late in their high school years. Some fail to make any postsecondary plans, or make inadequate plans because they do not fully comprehend the social and financial benefits of college. Others wind up in a college that is a poor fit for their academic needs and abilities, ultimately not completing their four-year degree. Poor postsecondary choices are the consequences of too little college knowledge, too late.

The key is to start early…

College knowledge a key element of college readiness and should be part of a student’s education long before high school. Many educational organizations, including ACT, EPIC, AMLE, and the U.S. Department of Education recommend that students begin learning about college as early as sixth grade.

Middle school can play an important role in guiding early preparation for postsecondary education through introducing students and their parents to the college prep and the college process, and teaching students the unique language of college. By the time students get to high school, they should be confidently on the path to postsecondary.

comic image of girl holding books

The 21st Century Student’s Guide to College has 15 lessons for getting students confidently on to the postsecondary path.

graphic of college with flag

This unique, fun student-centered curriculum covers over 100 key terms and concepts about postsecondary education including college regions, affiliations, selection, majors, alternatives to a traditional four year college, paying for college, life on a college campus, degrees, grad school, and more. Your students will love this introduction to all things college! Ideal for Grades 7-10.