The Playbook
A practical, step-by-step guide that helps high school juniors and seniors navigate college applications—from building a college list and writing essays to staying organized through deadlines and decisions.
Our Approach
The College Application Playbook provides a clear, practical roadmap to help students and families understand each stage of the college application journey.
For Juniors
Build a strong foundation, explore what you want in a college, and start preparing early so senior year feels more manageable.
For Seniors
Stay organized through applications, essays, recommendations, deadlines, and financial aid while presenting your strongest, most authentic application.
For Parents
Support your student without taking over, with practical guidance to help your family stay organized, informed, and confident throughout the application process.
What You’ll Find Inside
PLAN YOUR PATH
Build a thoughtful college list and understand the steps you should be taking throughout junior and senior year.
CREATE YOUR APPLICATION
Work through essays, recommendations, applications, and the details that help your authentic voice come through.
STAY ORGANIZED
Keep track of deadlines, financial aid, decisions, and important next steps so nothing gets lost along the way.
Heather Kuzmier
Heather Kuzmier is the author of The College Application Playbook, a practical, step-by-step guide created to help high school juniors, seniors, and their families navigate the college application process with greater clarity and confidence. She created the Playbook to make college-application guidance easier to understand and more accessible, giving students and families a clear roadmap for what to do, when to do it, and how to stay organized along the way.