Destination College: A Four-Year Plan for High School Students, Second Edition
A Clear Path Through High School — Without Guesswork
Most students are told what they need for college, but not when, why, or how it all fits together.
Destination College: A Four-Year Plan for High School Students (Second Edition) was written to change that.
This book breaks down the college preparation process into manageable, age-appropriate steps starting in 9th grade and continuing through 12th grade, with concrete guidance on:
Academics and course planning
Extracurriculars and leadership
Testing decisions (including test-optional realities)
College research and fit
Applications, essays, and timelines
Financial aid, scholarships, and affordability
Summer planning and key checkpoints
Instead of vague advice, students get specific actions they can take each year — and parents finally understand what actually matters, and when.
Designed for Real Families
This book is especially valuable for:
First-generation college students
Families without access to private college counseling
Parents who want to support their child but feel unsure where to start
Students who want structure, clarity, and less stress
There is no jargon, no gatekeeping, and no assumption that readers already know the system.
What’s New in the Second Edition
The Second Edition reflects major changes in the college admissions landscape and includes:
Updated guidance on test-optional admissions
Clear explanations of how admissions priorities have shifted
Expanded financial aid and affordability context
Stronger emphasis on decision-making, tradeoffs, and fit
A more student-centered, emotionally realistic approach
This edition is designed to meet students where they actually are — not where the system assumes they should be.
More Than a Book — A Planning Tool
This is not a book to read once and put away.
Families use Destination College as a working reference throughout high school:
Students revisit chapters each year
Parents use it to check timelines and priorities
Educators use it as a framework for advising conversations
It brings structure to a process that often feels chaotic.
What’s Included
✔ Four-year, grade-by-grade planning structure
✔ Clear monthly and seasonal checkpoints
✔ Straightforward explanations of admissions and financial aid
✔ Practical guidance without hype or fear-based tactics
✔ Written in plain language for students and parents
Who This Book Is For
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High school students (grades 8–12)
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Parents and caregivers
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School counselors and educators
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Libraries, community organizations, and college access programs
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Product Details
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Format: Print (Hardcopy)
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Edition: Second Edition
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Language: English
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Audience: High school students, parents, educators
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Use: Individual families, classrooms, libraries, advising programs
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FAQs
Is this book only for high-achieving students?
No. The guidance applies to students across academic levels and goals, including community college, public universities, and private colleges.Is this book appropriate for first-generation students?
Yes. The book was specifically written to make the college process understandable without assuming prior knowledge.When should students start using this book?
Ideally in 8th or 9th grade, but it is useful at any point in high school.Does this replace a college counselor?
No. It complements school counseling by helping families understand the process and ask better questions.Library & Bulk Orders
Bulk pricing and institutional ordering options are available for libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
To request bulk pricing or place an institutional order, please contact: an@anjanienarine.com
Reviews
This book provides a detailed timeline to help your child successful plan for college from 9th grade. I wish I had this book sooner in my son's high school years. I particularly like the checklist that helps you keep on track with each year tasks. It is separated by months so as to not get overwhelmed by it all. I like the scholarship chapter that gives you scholarship leads by state. I also like the chapter that gives you pointers on the types of financial aids and how to choose the right college. This book is filled with nuggets of important information for stages from choosing the right extracurricular activities, to getting into college from getting letters of recommendation to writing an authentic essay. I would definitely recommend this book for all parents with kids now entering high school and especially for first generation parents.