About this Event
With big expectations, endless questions, and plenty of anxiety, the college admissions process can feel overwhelming for students and parents alike. How can families approach it with greater clarity, confidence, and perspective?
Beth Heller Gelles, co-founder of college admissions counseling firm Acceptance Ahead and author of , will be joined in conversation by Dr. Emily Stern, a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, and performance pressure.
Together, Beth and Dr. Stern will explore the realities of the college admissions experience, offering insights into how families can navigate uncertainty, manage expectations, and keep the process in perspective. Expect an engaging discussion with practical strategies, thoughtful advice, and a refreshing reminder that a student's future is more than a college acceptance letter.
PLEASE NOTE: Doors open at 6:30pm and the event begins at 7pm. Please plan to arrive on time so you can fully enjoy the evening. To help preserve the intimate atmosphere, doors will close at 7:15pm, and we won’t be able to admit guests after that time. Thank you so much for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you then!
About Crazy for College
The college admissions process has never felt more overwhelming. Test-optional policies. Sky-high expectations. Shrinking acceptance rates. Confusing advice about GPAs, extracurriculars, and "standing out." Parents feel anxious. Students feel pressured. Everyone is drowning in mixed messages.
Written for parents of high school students navigating college admissions, this book offers clarity, humor, and far less chaos at home.
In Crazy for College, veteran college admissions advisor Beth Heller Gelles offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how the modern college search and application process actually works.
Equal parts memoir, how-to guide, and straight talk, this book helps families:
- lower the temperature at home and protect their relationship with their teen
- understand what truly matters in high school (and what doesn't)
- decode the transcript vs. GPA conversation
- rethink extracurriculars and the myth of the "well-rounded" student
- build a balanced, realistic college list
- navigate Early Decision, the college essay process, and financial aid
With a focus on authenticity, curiosity, mental health, and fit, Crazy for College helps families remember what matters most: raising capable, resilient young adults-and keeping your relationship with your teen intact.
About Beth Heller Gelles
Beth Heller Gelles is the author of Crazy for College: The Stories, The Secrets, & The Shot of Sanity You Need to Make It Through Admissions and co-founder of Acceptance Ahead, a college admissions counseling firm based in Westchester, New York. Through her work, she helps families navigate the complexities of college admissions with insight and perspective.
About Dr. Emily Stern
Dr. Emily Stern, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in stress, anxiety, and performance, with 25 years of experience working with individuals, leaders, teams, and high achievers. Her private practice serves clients ranging from investment professionals and Fortune 500 executives to performing artists and athletes. A specialist in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Stern combines clinical expertise with practical, strategy-based interventions. She earned her bachelor's degree from Harvard College and her Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University, completed advanced clinical training at Weill Cornell Medical College–NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, and previously served as an adjunct professor in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. She speaks and leads workshops on managing stress and anxiety for performance and well-being and currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees at Greenwich Country Day School.
Event venue & nearby stays
Athena Books, 228 Sound Beach Avenue, Greenwich, United States
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