Books for Parents of College-Bound Students 

The admission counselors, high school counselors, and other professionals on the NACAC e-mail list recommend the following books for parents of college-bound students:

• The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to Your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up by Barbara K. Hofer and Abigail Sullivan Moore.
• Parents' Guide to College Life: 181 Straight Answers on Everything You Can Expect Over the Next Four Years (College Admissions Guides) by Robin Raskin. Honest answers to real questions parents have when they send their children to college.
• You’re on Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me) by Marjorie Savage. Realistic and practical advice for parents of college-age kids.
• Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller.
• Let the Journey Begin: A Parent's Monthly Guide to the College Experience by Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay and Wanda Johnson Ingram. Real-life strategies from parents who’ve dealt with everything.
• Doors Open From Both Sides, The Off-To-College Guide From Two Points of View: Parents and Students by Margo E. Bane Woodacre. One for you and your child to read together to understand each other’s perspectives.
• Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger. Written by a college dean and a psychotherapist, this book was mentioned the most by NACAC members
• When Your Kid Goes To College by Carol Barkin. The author decided to write the book after sending her son off to college. She interviewed parents around the country to get their perspectives on the college transition
• Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School to College by Patricia Pasick
• Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea Van Steenhouse. Practical advice from a Mom and Ph.D.
• Campus Daze by George Gibbs
• The College Guide for Parents by Charles Shield (Published by the College Board)

Written by Jennifer Gross.