Less Stress, More Success: A New Approach to Guiding Your Child Though College Admissions and Beyond

Westfield Memorial Library presents program for parents and teens on reducing college admissions process stress

(March 23, 2010) –On Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m., the Westfield Memorial Library presents "Less Stress, More Success: A New Approach to Guiding Your Child Through College Admissions and Beyond." Marilee Jones is the speaker and co-author of a book by the same name.

One of the nation's most experienced college admissions deans, Ms. Jones is a thought-leader in the college admissions process. She was the Dean of Admissions at MIT from 1998 to 2007 and an admissions professional for nearly 30 years.

Ms. Jones is a national spokesperson on the changes in today's college admissions climate, speaking out against the pressures it induces in both students and parents.

The parent of a college-age daughter herself, Ms. Jones is committed to the mission of taking the stress out of the college admissions process. In a recent "New York Times" article she was described as a "guidance counselor for parents." She does not map out strategies to get a child into college but rather helps parents learn to support their children through a time of tension.

According to Phil Israel, Director of the Library, "This is a timely and topical program. The Library is pleased that it can provide the opportunity for the community to hear from a nationally recognized leader in the field of college admissions. Even if families do not have children applying for college this year, the information that Ms. Jones provides will help them when the time does come."

The program is open to Westfield Library and MURAL cardholders. MURAL cardholders can register for the program no sooner than Thursday, April 1. To register, or to learn more about other library programs, go to the library's website at www.wmlnj.org and click on the calendar, or call 908.789.4090 X4140.

The Westfield Memorial Library is open 9:30 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library strives to provide the Westfield community an environment that promotes a love of reading and ensures free access to ideas and information. For more information call 908.789.4090, visit the library's website at www.wmlnj.org and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter "Library Loop," or stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street for a copy of the quarterly newsletter "Take Note."