Reviewed on July 15, 2026 by E.P.

Great resource! Very clear and well written!

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2026 by Thomas B.

The California College Playbook by Christine Hees is a comprehensive guide for students seeking admission to the many and varied institutions that comprise the California College landscape. This wide-ranging volume covers all aspects of seeking admission to college: deciding which schools to apply to, including public, private and community colleges; choosing a major; completing the applications themselves, along with ancillary documents; even transferring to another college once admitted, and paying for an education as well. 

Hees points out that, unlike in the past, simply possessing excellent qualifications may not be sufficient to gain admission to the college of choice; a myriad of other factors must be considered, and identifying those can be a daunting task. It's written in plain language that makes a complex subject much easier to understand. With this volume in hand, this chore should become much more approachable, facilitating a successful and gratifying college career.

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2026 by Kris M.

The California College Playbook completely opened my eyes. I had no idea how complex the process of getting into U.S. colleges—let alone California schools—could be. This book truly lives up to its title. It is a genuine playbook, breaking the entire process down into clear, step-by-step guidance. The charts, models, and straightforward language make what could be an overwhelming topic surprisingly easy to understand.

One of the things I appreciated most was the school selection funnel at the beginning. It encourages families to honestly consider their financial capacity from the outset, rather than treating costs as an afterthought. That practical approach carries throughout the book.

The author also provides detailed guidance on writing application essays, explains how different schools weigh each part of an application, and highlights important details that many families may not know—such as how residency is determined for tuition purposes and situations that could unexpectedly affect grant eligibility. If you or your child are considering post-secondary education in California, this book is absolutely worth the investment. It’s an incredibly comprehensive resource that could save families time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes.

Reviewed in India on July 3, 2026 by Balamurugan

A literal gem for high school seniors preparing to apply to colleges in California. It covers nearly every aspect of the college application journey, starting with California's landscape and economy, then moving through the different college options, from community colleges and the UC system to private institutions. The book explains the application process in great detail, including how tools can assist to categorize colleges, whether AI assisted applications work, the advantages of transferring through community colleges, financial planning, federal loans, scholarships, and even finding part time jobs on campus. 

The appendices at the end such as the word bank, transfer profile, checklists etc., are the cherry on top. The author has done a commendable job gathering an impressive amount of information and presenting it in an accessible way. She also includes thoughtful philosophical encouragement and practical advice throughout, making the book more than just an admissions guide. 

My only criticism is that the book is quite long. Some sections feel repetitive, often summarizing previous chapters in detail instead of simply referencing them. Many of these parts could have been consolidated, making the book more concise. Since the primary audience is Gen Z students, a tighter structure might better suit readers who prefer getting to the point more quickly. That said, this is an excellent resource not only for students dreaming of attending college in California but also for those who think college may not be the right path for them (this book might change their minds). The language is simple, clear, and easy to understand, making it equally valuable for Californians, out-of-state applicants, and international students hoping to pursue the American (and specifically Californian) dream. 

The author's literal faithfulness in presenting such comprehensive, well-researched information to the target audience earns it a solid 5 stars. If you or your child are considering post-secondary education in California, this book is absolutely worth the investment. It’s an incredibly comprehensive resource that could save families time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes.

Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2026 by Linda F.

There is so much useful information packed into this book. As a parent, I couldn't help but think how valuable a resource like this would have been when I was helping my daughter navigate the college application process. When I went to college back in 1993, the admissions process was completely different. Today, there are so many more requirements, deadlines, application systems, and decisions to make that it can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. This book does an excellent job of explaining everything in a clear, organized, and easy-to-understand way.

I especially appreciated how it covers the differences between the UC, CSU, and private college systems, along with practical advice on choosing a major, building a college list, writing applications, and understanding financial aid. Rather than offering generic tips, it provides information readers can actually use.

Whether you're a student preparing for college or a parent trying to help guide the process, this is a resource worth having. It would have saved us a lot of time, confusion, and second-guessing. An informative and well-organized guide that helps make one of life's biggest milestones feel much more manageable.

Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2026 by Shalini C.

This is an easy to read book that reveals the facts about the UC and CSU process. I appreciated how it was straightforward and explained what you need to know now instead of what was there in the past. Highly recommend as you start working by with your child on their high school journey.

Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026 by Wayne C.

Very helpful guide for students and families applying to California colleges and universities. Thorough and well organized. Covers both UCs and CSUs. Highly recommend!

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