Erasing the Finish Line

June 26, 2023
In this innovative guide, academic adviser Homayoun (Social Media Wellness) urges parents and educators to reconsider how they can help high school students succeed. Debunking “outdated narrative equating college admissions and success,” Homayoun argues that “the belief that... one decision can fundamentally alter the entire trajectory of a young person’s life” reinforces “downright false” notions of what lends students drive, purpose, or happiness. By focusing on holistic skills, such as organization, flexible thinking, and relationship building, students are better equipped to flourish in a “fast-changing world,” she writes. Drawing on her experience counseling high schoolers, college students, and professionals, Homayoun discusses the wisdom of building predictable routines (consistent bedtimes, study schedules); cultivating “openness and curiosity in approach to socializing,” as understanding and using social capital is essential to being a “well-connected, well-resourced adult”; and paying attention to proper “energy management” instead of squeezing an endless litany of items into to-do lists (students are encouraged to consider the activities that drain them and those that energize them, and to brainstorm how to “recharge energy on a daily/weekly basis”). Homayoun offers a welcome, experience-backed alternative to the “current one-size-fits-all” model for life success—driven by test scores and an obsession with college rankings—that is often only available to the wealthy. This is a valuable resource.

Starred review from September 1, 2023

Academic advisor Homayoun (Social Media Wellness) presents a detailed plan of the steps counselors need to take to best help students achieve success. The book's purpose is to show how the author's methodology, all feasible suggestions, will produce proactive thinkers who can create effective changes in the world. The author believes that society should think of educating children differently. She advocates for students to gain more opportunities for immersive exposure, learn how to build their social capital, and turn setbacks and disappointments into opportunities to strengthen their adaptability skills. Homayoun believes this approach should begin in elementary school and continue through higher education. The author notes that she agrees with Harvard economist Raj Chetty's view that students who live in low-income areas need more and early chances in their lives to move to high opportunity spaces. The book expands upon the concept that early movements like that lead to a higher likelihood the students would attend college and earn more money over their lifetime. VERDICT One of the finest books on college admissions to date. For educational counseling collections, but it will appeal to general readers and parents too.--Claude Ury

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