Demystifying college admissions with GPS Parent Series

Posted December 08, 2025 1:23 pm

By Nathan Lindquist, Glenbard Township High School District 87

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the GPS Parent Series will present “Dream School: Finding and Getting into the College That is Right for You” with higher education journalist and bestselling author Jeff Selingo at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for information and the link to these webinars.

Attending college is a rite of passage for millions of teens, but that path is sometimes full of hurdles that complicate admission or put intolerable stress on family finances.

Showcasing years of research, Selingo will return to GPS to dismantle college admission myths and share a more imaginative approach to successfully accomplishing higher-education goals.

Participants will learn why an “elite” college degree matters less than you think, why many parents and students are choosing value over prestige, and how to make sure the college degree really pays off.

Finding colleges where your student can grow, be challenged and make connections will achieve a best “college fit.”

Selingo will equip families to help their students build a list of colleges that will reduce the stress of the application process and set them up for future success.

Selingo has written about colleges and universities for more than 25 years and is the author of three books including “Who Gets In & Why: A Year Inside College Admission” which gives readers a peek inside the admissions offices of three selective universities.

A regular contributor to The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Selingo writes a biweekly newsletter and produces a weekly podcast on all things higher education.

Ron Lieber, “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times since 2008.

Selingo will be in conversation with Rob Lieber, the author of several bestselling books, including “The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money,” and “The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Roadmap for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make.” Lieber has been the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times since 2008.

All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.

To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Gilda Ross, student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or (630_ 942-7668. Continuing education credits are available.