OMG, where was this book when I was navigating my own uncharted road to college??? As a college graduate I thought I knew the college admission process well enough to usher the next generation through the maze of higher education. However, I’ve been wrong before…haha! In fact, this book was a sobering yet refreshing reminder that not only does the times, technology, and resources changes but the college admission process itself evolves over time; especially from one generation to the next. After reading this book I can honestly say that this is a must-have guide for any soon-to-be high school grad (and parent(s)) as they embark on their un-mapped college journey and throughout. The book is an absolute treasure trove of useful and actionable takeaways on how to best position your rising graduate for college success while preparing them for the admission process and how to navigate the unfamiliar roads of university life after matriculation. The book definitely sets you up for success by alerting both students and parents to the important preparatory work that needs to begin before ever stepping foot on a college campus. It will help answer questions like - - How to best approach and prepare for your college admission test? - Where are the best places to search for scholarships? - How to find a college that’s a good fit for your student? - How and when to start organizing a college tour(s)? - How to find grants and even mentors? - How to develop a realistic financial plan and further assessing financial strategies? - How to prepare your student to wait constructively after applying? - How to waive certain costs associated with the college prep process? - How to write an effective application essay? - When is the best time to apply? Additionally the books also touches upon a wide variety of topics (that we typically miss as parents) such as: - Personal time management for the new student - Student’s health (mental and physical) - Homesickness - Personal safety - Finding on campus advocates - Becoming a life long leaner - And many many more…. Navigating the journey from prospective college student to college graduate is certainly a challenging enough road with all the typical potholes and worries of: How will I afford college? What if I don’t choose the right major? What if I disappoint my family? Dr. Oliver’s knowledge-base coupled with many years of experience as a true practitioner and advocate of higher education really serves to illuminate what can and has been a historically disenfranchise road for many FGCS and their families. Her 25 + years of experience becomes very evident in the text as she gracefully (with a little bit of tough love) guides both students and their family through an already stressful process, making it one that is less stressful and worth enduring. Its the big things AND the small things she does; like defining many of college related vocabulary that you many not be familiar with, especially as a FGCS (First Generation College Student) that makes this book a generational keeper. Lastly, what I love the most about this book is the feeling that the author, Dr. Oliver, leaves you with. She doesn’t just want you to survive college, she clearly wants you to thrive in college and beyond. If you have made it this far into the review just go ahead and get the book. As a “Review Read-A-Holic” that’s known for reading every single last review🥵 🥱, let me save you some time by saying that the College Roadmap is more than a worthwhile investment in what would otherwise be a stressful and overwhelming new chapter in your graduate’s life. In fact, it’s absolutely NOT necessary, but, if you can afford to splurge little please consider getting two copies. One for your college bound graduate and the other for yourself (Mom, Dad, Caregiver). Here’s why: Even though the author strongly encourage you to champion their independence in finding their own network and on campus advocates this book will make you seem oddly well-informed 🤓about their college journey when they call home with questions. ….almost as if you had a roadmap that reveals what they should be focusing on to become the best version of themself while they are away at college…. 😂! Seriously though, its not so obvious at the time, but it may be the last book you ever read with your not-so-little one, at the lake before they leave the nest.