Valerie Pierce, M.Ed, is a counselor in a Title 1 high school in the Cypress Fairbanks School District and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), in Texas.  As a first generation college graduate herself, she is committed to helping students from all backgrounds prepare for college and/or post secondary career programs. Over the last fifteen years, through city wide community parent and student workshops, nonprofit online and in person seminars and through her professional school counseling responsibilities, Valerie has helped thousands of first generation and traditional students streamline the seemingly daunting process of academic planning, finding resources and applying to college.  The inspiration for her book began with the lists that Valerie originally created to prepare her own daughter for college. These lists were continually updated for other students she counseled, and then again for her son many years later.  Her savvy, insightful advice and committment to the success of these young people is reflected in the comprehensive, yet easy to follow timeline the book provides. Valerie continues to be passionate about sharing her knowledge and continues to help high school students achieve their educational goals.

Cheryl Rilly is a gifted researcher and writer in the educational arena. At the time this book was written, she was also the 'official' mentor and 'go-to' person for her niece, Jessica, on all things related to Jess's acceptance to the colleges of her choice. That propelled Ms. Rilly on a mission to learn the nuances of college admissions requirements for colleges across the nation. That knowledge, in combination with Valerie Pierce's expertise and daily interaction with college bound high schoolers in Texas, is the source for this comprehensive, yet engaging book. It's an invaluable resource for students and parents alike. (Jessica was admitted and graduated from her 'dream' college.)

Suzette Tyler is a former academic adviser at Michigan State University where she counseled students during their critical freshmen and sophomore years as they were adjusting to the academic and social demands of college. Through her countless conversations with these students, and often during the heartfelt self-revelations of probation conferences, it became clear that some of the best advice ever comes from the students themselves. With that, Ms. Tyler began interviewing students from colleges throughout the country, as well as talking with instructors, professors and admissions officers from a variety of institutions. Based on these interviews, Mrs. Tyler produced "Been There, Should'ver Done That - 995 tips for making the most of college" which provides collegians with solid advice for college success in an engaging, non-textbook format. She also collaborated with Cheryl Rilly and Valerie Pierce in editing the book, Countdown to College: 21 'To Do' Lists for High School.