Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College - Softcover

Springer, Sally P.; Reider, Jon; Morgan, Joyce Vining

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118450272 ISBN 13: 9781118450277

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2013

Synopsis

Third edition of the go-to reference to college admission

Getting into college has never been more complicated or competitive. Parents and students need expert guidance to navigate the maze of college admissions. This thoroughly updated edition of Admission Matters is the best source, covering the whole process for any applicant. The authors offer great practical advice for selecting the right school, writing effective essays, navigating financial aid, and much more. No matter what type of school a college-bound student may select, Admission Matters will give them the edge they need.

• Offers an essential resource for understanding the admission process for all students applying to college
• Addresses the most recent changes to the college application process
• New sections include information for international students, transfer students, and students with learning disabilities, as well as expanded advice for athletes, artists, and homeschoolers

This is an essential handbook for any family facing the college admission process.

About this title

Review:

Five Keys to Preparing a Strong Application

1. Start early, even if you are not applying early. A well-written app is essential, and good writing takes time. Even gathering all the information needed can take time.

2. YOU are applying. Don’t make the application sound like someone else, or let anyone edit you away from your own voice. But do ask someone to look over your writing for correct English usage and typos.

3. Include all relevant facts about you in the application, once. If you are significantly talented in anything, present evidence; if you have overcome challenges or have special circumstances, explain them. Admissions people can’t consider information they don’t have.

4. Choose recommenders carefully, Colleges that require letters want to know what it is like to teach you, even (maybe especially) when you really had to struggle in the course. Ask teachers who know you well and who can tell them.

5. Work with your school counselor. Many colleges ask for a counselor’s report, so make sure that your counselor knows about your achievements outside of the classroom and your circumstances. Prepare a summary to help the counselor write that report. (We provide a good sample summary form in Admission Matters.)

How to Build a Good List

1. Think carefully about what you want in a school. A key to success is a careful, thorough self-assessment of the things that are important to you - academically, socially, and financially. (We have a great questionnaire to help you do this in Admission Matters).

2. Seek out suggestions. Ask your counselor, parents, and others for ideas. Use a couple of good online college search engines like ones at BigFuture, College Navigator, and SuperMatch to help you find schools that fit your criteria.

3. Do some research. Once you have a list of suggested schools, do your homework. Read about them on BigFuture, check out their websites, and visit them (virtually or in person). Note what each offers and what each lacks; these preferences help you further define what you want in a college.

4. Be flexible. Look carefully at lesser-known colleges and, if you can, schools in different parts of the country. There are no perfect colleges, but there are many where you would be perfectly happy.

5. Have a balanced list. It has been said that it is hard for kids to get into college because they all want to get into colleges that are hard to get into. Make sure your final list includes at least a couple of schools where you are sure to be admitted, as well as others where your chances are more uncertain.

From the Back Cover:

• Choosing the Right College
• Writing a Great Essay
• Preparing Strong Applications
• How Colleges Decide
• Getting Financial Aid

ADMISSION MATTERS

This thoroughly updated and expanded third edition of the "must-have" resource for college admissions offers parents and students expert guidance for navigating the complicated maze of the college application process. Admission Matters delivers comprehensive, practical advice for selecting the right school, writing effective essays, negotiating financial aid, picking the right major, and much more. No matter what type of school college-bound students may select, Admission Matters will give them the help they need.

This new edition addresses the latest changes in the admissions process and includes much-needed guidance for students with special circumstances, including students with disabilities, international students, and transfer students. In addition, athletes, artists and performers, and homeschoolers will find valuable guidance as they plan for and apply to college. Admission Matters continues to be the most up-to-date, clear, insightful, supportive, and practical book on college admissions available today.

PRAISE FOR ADMISSION MATTERS

"Admission Matters represents the gold standard for 'how-to' books on the college admission process. It is wise, practical, sane, comprehensive, and calming, and will be mandatory reading for the families I assist in the college choice journey."
—William Shain, William M. Shain Consulting and former dean of admission at Vanderbilt University, Macalester College, and Bowdoin College

"A bible for every applicant."
—Sarah McGinty, author, The College Application Essay (College Board)

"In the ever-evolving world of college admission, Admission Matters is both comprehensive and cutting edge."
—Bruce J. Jones, associate director of admission, Whitman College

About this edition

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1118450272
• ISBN 13: 9781118450277
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 400