What High Schools Don't Tell You (and Other Parents Don't Want You to Know): Create a Long-Term Plan for Your 7th to 10th Grader for Getting Into the Top Colleges

Arts can be as challenging as Academics!

I was quite disappointed in the book where the author gives the impression that in high school you should focus on the academics and leave out electives like art, music, dance, social studies and writing(!!!) and opt for heavier courses. Excuse me, but in order to study performing arts in college, you need those courses in high school! Physics and math are NOT the only heavy courses. If you do get into honors and AP courses, the homework is even more ridiculous than the current heavy schedule for 7th-8th graders (at least at our schoo)l. Did it ever cross her mind that these so called "arts" courses CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR THE MATH, PHYSICS, ENGINEERING majors? A-ha! Nope, I didn't think so. Try having one of those kids perform a monologue to perfection; memorize 300 lines of a shakespearean play, act a musical theater song, do a tap routine or fosse choreographed dance or creat digital artwork or an oil painting or make a film. It is easy for those blessed with creativity, and artistry. Just as physics and math are easy for the students who love it. But don't discount the arts.

I also disagree with a passage where she says something to the effect of "if you can't leave your school to attend a science fair, or perform in a contest, ..... ( paraphrasing), you might want to think about going to a private school instead! Hello? The last place you would want to go is private! We are in one, and there is no way they will let you go to compete in anything. Not even a geography bee (which I disagree with - most kids are so geographically challenged, it is frightening - and I believe the schools wait way too long to introduce US history - there is way too much emphasis year after year on black history and the holocaust (at least from 4-8th grade). I have nothing against a year of that, but the kids never learn about europeans - and Native Americans (except to do a pow wow in first grade!) and how this great country came about. A friend's daughter had a chance to dance with the Kirov (she was a great student and even better ballerina), but the school rejected her request to spend 3 weeks on the road with the ballet company; another wanted to sing opera, and they were told to go to a performing arts school since this school solely focuses on academics and sports...So private won't help when it comes to special leaves or contests. Something the author needs to reconsider.

Overall, you get completely overwhelmed reading this book as there just aren't enough hours in the day to try and accomplish a lot of this and you do need MONEY for the summer programs. They are not free or cheap.

It is no wonder to me why there is so much cheating going on in this generation. 8 out of 10 kids cheat and that includes people in grad school. Where is the code of conduct? Where are the so-called principals and teachers who are supposed to turn these kids in? And how many say they do it to please their parents (parents living vicariously through their kids). America needs to slow down, let their kids be happy, and most importantly, the schools need to lighten up on all the homework (3-6 hours a day after school is abusive, and it doesn't add value to a child's life; just makes them hate the subject more because they do it to get it over with and remember nothing - just ask any kid who is saddled with this stuff they will never use again). The focus should be on practicalmath they can use on a daily basis!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Invaluable advice I wish that I'd had!

Have you ever said to yourself, 'If only I'd known about that opportunity, I would have taken it!' If you want to eliminate those regretful thoughts regarding your kids' education, and if you have kids in or about to enter high school, I enthusiastically recommend this book! In this book, the author of 'What Colleges Don't Tell You,' another great book, takes on the all-important high school years. Her advice for parents is clear: Help your kids to take advantage of every opportunity available to them, and build a portfolio of experiences that will enrich your child and help them to get into the college of their dreams. Wissner-Gross explains that you and your kid have to craft a plan for getting the most out of high school. Right away, the book starts out with a questionnaire that helps kids -- even unfocused kids -- to identify their interests and to help them to set goals. Once the goals have been identified -- even if they change over time -- the book explains how you can help your kid to build a portfolio of experiences that will help to foster the passions that THEY have. By helping your kids to find every opportunity to pursue what they love, the author proves that they will not only be extremely well-prepared for, but also sought after by every college. Wissner-Gross even helps you out by identifying activities and programs of which few parents are even aware. Other amazing gems I found in this book include: * Secret 19: Summers are the best-kept secret of superstars--the time for your child to stand out from the pack and gain an edge both for college admission and her future career. * Secret 68: Never assume that the menu of clubs offered at your child's public or private high school is limited to what already exists. * Secret 273: The best way to build a humanities pedigree for your child is to inquire about the Telluride Association Summer Programs 'TASP'. She has clearly identified that it's not just about getting your kids into a top college, but helping them to realize their dreams! The top college is just a bonus!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

There was something disturbing in this book in regards to the &q

There was something disturbing in this book in regards to the "message" I get. Pushing kids to do too much and too soon creates an unhealthy approach to life. Too many kids are just too stressed out with trying to compete. Taking the SAT's in 7th Grade is the most ridiculous suggestion!!!!

Amen !!

I couldn't agree more !!!

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