The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions serves as an essential resource for families navigating the complex college admissions landscape. Recognized as one of the Top 2023 College Admissions Resources by Forbes, this guide has also been featured on NPR as the ‘Book of the Day.’ Renowned admissions experts Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown provide invaluable insights that demystify the process. They address unique challenges that Black families may encounter, which often go overlooked by traditional school counselors and resources.

This comprehensive guide outlines the key steps for families, from the optimal time to start the admissions process to selecting the right colleges to apply to. Fields and Herndon-Brown emphasize the importance of understanding various educational institutions, particularly the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) alongside predominantly white institutions. The authors cover critical topics including athletic recruitment, artistic talents, financial aid, and detailed instructions on how to effectively search for colleges and submit applications.

The updated second edition includes several new chapters that address current issues affecting college admissions:

• Prioritizing the mental health of both students and parents.
• Understanding the impact of artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, on college essay writing.
• A comprehensive review of recent Supreme Court decisions regarding race-conscious admissions and their potential effects on Black applicants.
• Navigating the admissions process as a transfer applicant.

In addition to these crucial topics, the guide features:

Having experience on both sides of the admissions process—as school counselors and college admissions gatekeepers—Fields and Herndon-Brown are uniquely qualified to provide guidance. They offer parents, students, and school counselors the tools and inspiration needed to research and consider a variety of educational options. The guide empowers families to make informed decisions, understand their unique choices, and ultimately define success on their own terms.

In conclusion, The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions is more than a book; it is a vital companion for any Black family embarking on the college journey. With its insightful advice and comprehensive resources, this guide aims to ensure that all students have the information they need to become competitive applicants and successfully navigate the admissions landscape.