Reading Early Decision, Lacy Crawford’s gripping novel, took me right back to two of the most stressful periods of times in my family’s history: the college application process for each of my kids.
Outside of health issues, I can’t imagine a more nerve-racking, drawn-out and emotionally exhausting experience. Having been through it twice, thankfully with the desired results, I can tell you Crawford nails it here.
Twenty-seven-year-old Anne is the “college whisperer” – a private college admissions counselor who helps privileged kids get into Ivy League schools. She guides them in their essay writing, encouraging them to discover who they really are and what’s important to them in the process.
The book follows five students from the beginning to end of one application season, and, as readers, we get to know the students as they get to know themselves. We read drafts of their essays, which are fascinating, and, for better or worse, we also get to know their parents who are always hovering close by.
Part of the reason Early Decision rings so true is that Anne is based on Crawford herself. As a former counselor, she’s seen all of this firsthand, so when she points out an essay that works, take notes for your own kids.
“Alexis, where you go to college is not the same as who you are,” Anne tells one of her students, who responds, “No, but it shapes me. It, like, shapes everything.”
Both of them are right, and that’s what makes this such a timely and important story.
Early Decision is an often-funny but painfully real commentary, not just on the college admissions process but also on modern-day parenting. It should be required reading.
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My step son is in the process of applying to colleges for next year. They sure don’t make it easy.
I loved the process of visiting the colleges with my son. Crazy parents as we are we visited 10! But I loved it. The application process? YUCK! What a pain.
That said, this books sounds like an interesting read.
I think my step son is only applying to two state schools, so that is going to make my life super easy!
We’ve been through it with my daughter already, but my son is about to start visiting colleges. It’s such a hassle!
I remember the day I found out I got into my “dream” school very well! And all the angst that preceded it! I have three daughters so I guess I will be reliving this, hopefully with less angst and same results. Sounds like a great read.
My daughter and I got along just fine until the college application process began– we’re still in “recovery” and its her Junior year and we’re still working on issues from those 2 years—not fun at all!
Son is a freshman this year and is already looking toward college and scholarships.
If you say it’s gripping, I’m interested – thanks for the recommendation!
Oh, the college application process was truly dreadful and soul killing. Getting past it was one of the greatest things about the nest emptying out. As my oldest now considers heading back to school and throwing around terms that include FAFSA, I am so incredibly thankful she’s over 30, on her how, and fully capable of filling out her own freakin’ college forms of any sort.
Sounds like a super book! I fear it may lead to nightmares, though… at least for parents. 😀
Thankfully our first round already did the college thing and our second round of kids have a few years. Having already gone through this process this book would have been very interesting.
This sounds like a really interesting read! There’s so much stress on kids about college, and this sounds like it captures it.
I have TWO high school seniors right now and it’s crazy. I think the letter carrier is none too pleased about all the college junk mail coming to our house.
Had no idea the process of applying to college was so intense.
Just glad it will be over in a few months.
Will miss the kids when they’re gone though!
Oh my goodness! I’m living through the stress right now! I never knew that choosing a college, enrolling, etc. could be so competitive and stressful. This book has my name all over it! Hope to win! Tweeted too! 🙂
What a nightmare it was to deal with all of that. I remember my daughter writing essays for scholarships too. Thank goodness that paid off!
I remember dealing with college apps myself and I hear it has become more competitive since then. Yikes!
NOOOOO – do not mention the college thing please. We are just starting the process for next year and it is horrible trying to get my son to assist us. I have to check this book out, we need help.
Sounds like a good book. I am so not looking forward to my kids having to go through this process.
This sounds like a good read. I haven’t heard of many books like this.
My son is 14, so this is still a few years off. I’ve heard the horror stories of the transition to college, and it’s horrifying.
My son is way beyond the application process, but most of my friends are in the thick of it. Will pass this book suggestion along. Thanks for this!
College applications were very difficult for us too. I hated waiting to see where I got into. In the end it all worked out though.
Oh my gosh, is it too early for me to start preparing for this now?
Struck by how different things are today and how much stress is involved in college applications. I was an early decision applicant and it was stress-free, the whole thing. Not so today.
We are going through this with my step daughter right now. She is starting to apply to colleges, sat’s, and visiting schools. Its all very difficult!
What a great sounding book – looking for the right collage always sounds so daunting. x
I have a 7th grader and really we are not that far away from thinking about colleges, It is so much harder today than when I applied.
I do not look forward to this day. Thankfully my oldest is 9 years old and I have lots of time!
i need to grab this for my sister! she’s got one wanting to change colleges and one looking!!
I used to think that college was a place I wanted my children to attend, but with the mounting debt, it doesn’t seem practical. I filled out all of my own college applications. I’m not sure my parents even saw them.
I have thankfully not had to go through the admissions process with my kids yet, but it is coming soon. Sounds like a fun read!
This sounds like an interesting read. My sister is just going through this application process with her son and I’d love the chance to get this for her.
I’m getting there! My daughter is in 8th grade so it’s definitely in my horizon. Sounds like a good read.
This sounds like a really interesting book. My kids are way too young for this yet but I’m aware that time passes fast. It’s best to be prepared. I can’t even imagine how stressful that whole processes and I’m kind of not looking forward to that.
My son is years away from this, but I teach high school students, so I think this would be a great read for me…maybe for them too!
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for sharing!
I am listening to your advice. I am making it required reading for me
I have had to apply a few times to different colleges and it really is not an easy process. I am glad there are people who can help make it easier.
This sounds like a great book. My kids have quite awhile to go yet before having to deal with this, but hopefully at some point they will simplify the college application process!
I remember those days of waiting to hear back and then having to choose. Glad it’s over for us but I can understand the stress well.
It seems everyone I know has children applying at the same time. It would be an interesting read, I’m sure one I’d connect with.
This sound like an interesting book! I have a few years before I have to worry about college admissions, thank goodness. How cool that she wrote a novel based on her career as an admissions person.
I just completed the early decision and college application process with my daughter last year so this book would be a stress free look at the process for me.
I remember the college application process. It was a very stressful time for my parents and I.
With the stressing and hassle it’s a better sweet moment. I’ll never forget the long process.
I just finished the college application process. My son is now in his first year of college and loving it.
OH BOY! Don’t get me even thinking about college for the kiddo. I gotta finish mine first! 😉
We are in the middle of this process now! Always need more advice & insight!
I can’t wait to read this book. It is really tough knowing the right roads to take.
starting the process with my son who is a high school junior. Trying to learn the dance of letting him navigate the process.
I wish I could apply early decision for this book. 🙂
One kid down one to go
I think the second time will be a little easier!!
My cousin has a son who’s a junior and visiting colleges. A bit of anxiety prevails in the household as they prepare to start the application process. Will definitely recommend this novel to her.
I think I blocked memories of the process for myself – and I am VERY grateful I have many years before my own kids start it! So stressful!
I love books where we get to see the characters really unfold themselves and uncover whole new paths. Sounds like a good read.
I have a few years before I will be needing this book, but it is so right! College doesn’t make who you are but it helps influence things!
It WAS a stressful time for us, but it all worked out well.