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Your Family’s Playbook for Navigating the Admissions Arena

Entering the Arena

Turning College Admissions Odds In Your Favor

A high-stakes race for acceptance doesn’t have to feel impossible. Discover the proven strategies that help 97% of CPC students win admission to one of their top 3 college choices.

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Why This Book Matters in Today’s Admissions Arena

“For today’s families, the college admissions process feels like a real-life arena — record applications, falling acceptance rates, and mounting financial stress. Christopher Parsons reframes the chaos with a game-based strategy guide that turns stress into empowerment. The book gives students and parents a clear plan to compete and thrive, replacing anxiety with confidence.”

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Stand out beyond GPA/test scores​
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Build a balanced college list that fits strengths and goals.
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Craft standout essays and personal stories.​
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Master scholarship and financial aid strategies.​
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Reduce stress with a step-by-step admissions “game plan.”​
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What You’ll Gain from "Entering The Arena"

Clarity in the Chaos
Finally understand the admissions process without the jargon or guesswork.
A Playbook for Strategy
Step-by-step guidance on courses, activities, testing, and timelines.
Archetype Insights
Discover which type of student your teen resembles and how to use it to their advantage.
Essay & Narrative Power
Learn how to turn personal stories into compelling application essays.
Financial Aid Advantage
Insider tactics for FAFSA, scholarships, and comparing offers.
Resilience for the Journey
Tools to handle rejection, pivot with confidence, and find the right college fit.
founder christopher parsons college planning centers 2

Christopher Parsons

About the Author – At a Glance

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Founder & President of The College Planning Center, serving families across South Carolina.

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Nearly 25 years in education as a teacher, coach, consultant, and author.

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Summa cum laude valedictorian of The Citadel; M.A. in English from the University of South Carolina.

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Has guided hundreds of families, with 97% of students admitted to one of their top 3 college choices.

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Helped students earn over $4.7 million in scholarships and aid in a single year.

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Co-founder of All-In College Planning, a nonprofit making expert guidance accessible to underserved students.

The College Planning Center Advantage

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97% success rate

Nearly all CPC students earn admission to one of their top three college choices.

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$4.7M scholarships in one year​

Families guided by CPC secured millions in aid and scholarships in a single graduating class.​

80+ years of combined team expertise​

A powerhouse team of educators and consultants brings decades of admissions knowledge to every student.​

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Elite university admissions experience​

Proven track record guiding students into Ivy League and other highly selective institutions.​

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Two SC offices: Murrells Inlet & Mt. Pleasant​

Local presence across South Carolina’s coast makes CPC accessible to more families.​

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Nonprofit access through All-In College Planning​

Extending expert guidance to under-resourced students through community-driven initiatives.​

CPC Press Mentions & Associations

wmbf news logo featured college planning centers
wcsc live 5 news featuring college planning center
feedspot featuring college planning centers
ieca membership college planning centers
myrtle beach chaamber of commerce participated events college planning centers
Belin Memorial Church parternship with College Planning Centers
nacac association college planning centers

The College Planning Center Impact

Admitted to top 3 choices
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Scholarships earned in a single year
$ 0 M
Years, helping families succeed
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Free Sneak Peek + College Checklist
Thanks to the guidance from Chris and the SAT prep with Miles and George, I raised my score from around 1000 to 1230 and got accepted to all five schools I applied to: Ole Miss, Clemson, Citadel, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. They helped me build a strong college application. So, a huge shout out to them, especially Mr. Chris Parsons.
Dru
DruVirginia Tech, Class of 2029
From early resume-building and career planning with Tonya to SAT prep with Miles, which helped me jump from a 1030 PSAT to a 1400 superscore and earn an extra $10,000 in scholarships, they guided me every step of the way. Thanks to this amazing team, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come! I can honestly say I wouldn’t have reached this point without them.
Brianna
BriannaClemson University, Class of 2029
The programs were well-structured and provided all the resources I needed, with clear instructions on submitting materials. I felt confident throughout the process, and I highly recommend their services. I’m already planning for my sister to join the program in the coming years!
Jadyn
JadynClemson University, Class of 2028
I got accepted to my dream school, and The College Planning Center helped me with every step along the way. I would like to say thank you to The College Planning Center for helping me with this really confusing process and answering all my questions.
Britton
BrittonClemson University, Class of 2027
The test counseling really helped me. Not only did I start off with a base good score, but I improved my scores after, and I was able to get a very high score for standardized testing, thanks to them.
Pete
PeteUniversity of South Carolina, Class of 2027
As a single mother, I felt that the overwhelming process of college application would be too much for me to handle alone. The College Planning Center and its staff, I felt that the blueprint and a game plan were solidly in place.Mr. Parsons and his staff will be that guiding compass in navigating those crucial years which will ignite a spark within your high schooler in areas within and outside of school.
Lilly, Mother of Michael
Lilly, Mother of MichaelUniversity of California-Irvine, Class of 2027/Source: Parent
My daughter received a full-ride scholarship to Vanderbilt University. Christopher Parsons and his team at The College Planning Center were instrumental in turning my daughter’s dream of going to Vandy, into reality.
Rob, Father of Caroline
Rob, Father of CarolineVanderbilt University, Class of 2022

From Stress to Success: Peyton’s Story

See how Peyton turned a stressful college application process into a winning strategy with the support of The College Planning Center—and earned her place at the University of Georgia.

Real Stories. Real Results.

See how College Planning Center gave families peace of mind, guided students to stronger applications, and helped them achieve top college goals.

Ready to Tilt the Odds in Your Favor?

Don’t let college admissions feel like a survival game. Get the proven strategies that have helped 97% of CPC students win admission to their top choices.

Free Sneak Peek + Checklist
Order Online Book Course & Flipbook

Ebook & Physical copies

Amazon 50
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