FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2026

New Book Helps Students Understand California College Admissions

A practical guide for students applying to UC, CSU, and private colleges in California.

CALIFORNIA, June 1, 2026 — The California College Playbook, a new guide by Christine Hees, will be available in paperback beginning June 1, 2026. Focused exclusively on California college admissions, the book explains California’s public universities, private colleges, and transfer pathways. It helps students build a stronger application strategy and explains the practical details of each application.

“Year after year, I hear the same questions from students and families,” said Hees. “They are trying to make important decisions, but the information they need is spread across too many places. I wrote this book to bring California college admissions together in one clear, practical guide.”

The California College Playbook covers both strategy and application mechanics. It helps students build a balanced college list, plan timelines, and choose majors strategically, while also walking through the UC and CSU applications section by section.

The book addresses practical topics like recalculated GPA, dual enrollment, repeated courses, and activity reporting. It also includes Hees’ original 6-step strategy for writing the UC Personal Insight Questions, with an annotated example.

Written specifically for students navigating California college admissions, the book combines admissions strategy, California-specific knowledge, and step-by-step application guidance in one practical resource.

About the Author

Christine Hees is an independent college counselor and the founder of Mission: Accepted! College Counseling. She holds a College Counseling Certificate from the University of California San Diego. Her professional experience includes reading applications for the University of California. She is also the author of Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions for International Students. More information is available at www.missionaccepted.international.

Praise for The California College Playbook

“I love this book! I help manage a Bay Area program that brings volunteer mentors into our local public high school to help first-generation students navigate the college admissions process. This book will be a great resource. It's easy to read, well-organized, and covers all the important info one needs to apply to schools in California. Highly recommended!” — Dale T., Board Member, Non-Profit College Access Organization

“If you are a junior or senior, this book is a must.” — Alex P., California High School Student

"The California College Playbook is a practical, accessible guide to navigating California’s college systems and admissions processes. The topics are well organized, easy to follow, and thoroughly covered. Any student considering California colleges should read this incredible resource!” — Shannon K., Independent Educational Consultant

“The California College Playbook is the ultimate college admissions guide for anybody learning about university admissions in the Golden State. Easy to read and accessible to experts, students and their families alike, Hees' work reflects her deep knowledge of the California tertiary education landscape, California's unique allure as an economic powerhouse with a three-tiered public higher education structure, and her overall expertise with college admissions guidance.” — Christopher K., International School College Counselor

"Navigating college admissions in California can feel overwhelming, but this book maps it out perfectly. It gives you real, practical strategies for the UC, CSU, and community college tracks. It fills a massive gap in college counseling and is a must-have resource for anyone navigating this for the first time and looking toward higher education in the Golden State." — Renu B., California Parent

“This book is a valuable resource for students and families considering California colleges. It offers great insight into the California college system in a much more organized way than the internet can provide. Even reading it after having been through college application cycles, I found useful information that I wish I had known while applying for college.” — Joy X., UC Transfer Student

Book Details

Title: The California College Playbook
Author: Christine Hees
Publisher: Periwinkle Tide Publishing
Publication Date: June 1, 2026
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 332 pages
ISBN: 979-8-234-07193-4
Price: $29.90
Availability: Amazon

Media Contact

Christine Hees

missionaccepted.international@gmail.com
www.missionaccepted.international

Review copies and a press kit with the book cover, author photo, author bio, and book details are available upon request.

New Book Unveils the Secrets of U.S. College Admissions—Through the Eyes of an Outsider

The new book "Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions for International Students" helps international and first-generation students successfully navigate the American college application process.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Mountain View, California, U.S.A.] – [August 27, 2024] – The U.S. college admissions process can seem like an impenetrable puzzle for international students, immigrant families, and first-generation college applicants. Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions for International Students by Christine Hees offers a groundbreaking approach to navigating this complex journey that sets it apart from other guides on the market.

"Most college guides are written from the perspective of Americans, assuming a level of familiarity with the system that many international and first-generation students simply don't have," says author Christine Hees. "This book breaks down those barriers, explaining every step of the process from an outsider's point of view. It's the guide I wish I had when I was navigating the admissions maze with my children."

Christine Hees, a German immigrant, provides a unique perspective that makes Mission: Accepted! indispensable for anyone unfamiliar with American college applications. Unlike other books that assume readers already know the basics, this guide dives deep into the details often overlooked, making it an essential resource for international students, immigrant families, and first-generation students alike.

Mission: Accepted! covers everything from demystifying admissions jargon to offering strategic advice on crafting a compelling application. The book's comprehensive approach includes insights into writing powerful personal statements, building standout extracurricular profiles, securing financial aid, and understanding the nuances of obtaining a U.S. student visa. Special attention is given to California's public university system, offering readers an in-depth look at one of the most popular university systems in the country.

Readers have lauded Mission: Accepted! for its clarity and depth:

"Christine Hees knows her stuff. The book is well-written and structured... I highlighted much of the text because it's information I wish I'd known when I was applying to college in the U.S." – F. O.

"'Mission: Accepted' by Christine Hees is a valuable vault for students who want to get accepted in the universities of the U.S.A. It acquaints you with the minutest details and the requirements that students need to fulfill to get admission in the college of their choice." – B. S.

Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions for International Students is available worldwide on Amazon and through national booksellers. Visit www.missionaccepted.international to stay updated with the latest blog posts and resources to support your college admissions journey.

Don't let the complexities of U.S. college admissions hold you back. Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies you need to succeed with Mission: Accepted! today.

About the Author

Christine Hees is a marketing expert with a strong international background. After supporting her own children in navigating college admissions, she became passionate about demystifying this process, especially for international students and first-generation applicants. Her unique perspective combines professional expertise with personal experience as an immigrant and parent.

Media Contact

Please direct all media inquiries to Christine Hees.

email: missionaccepted.international@gmail.com