Product Description

This is a remarkable book that every student and parent should read before applying to college. It explains the rules and how to play the game successfully. Well-written and up-to-date, Admission Matters offers important insights into the college admission process, as well as important practical advice they can implement all along the way.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #419225 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Booklist
The world of college preparation has rumbled with seismic shifts in the last few years. The SAT has been completely revamped with a new writing component, college admissions counselors are rethinking how to weight standardized test scores against applicants' other qualifications, and the application process is moving entirely to the Internet. These are only a few of the changes today's teens confront as they look toward college. As its subtitle suggests, Admission Matters is an excellent introduction for both college-minded teens and their parents. Comprehensive and written in straightforward, clear language, chapters explore the current competitive environment surrounding college applications, what admissions counselors look for, and how to prepare for the new tests and put together an application package. There's also advice specifically for parents ("What your child will remember long after the college admissions process is over is how you supported him or her"), and information about early admissions and financial aid. Sample application forms and recommendation letters, as well as a long list of resources, are among the appended materials. The wealth of information, uncluttered format, and numerous boxed features, such as a checklist of things to do on a college visit, make this an essential guide.

Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
The world of college preparation has rumbled with seismic shifts in the last few years. The SAT has been completely revamped with a new writing component, college admissions counselors are rethinking how to weight standardized test scores against applicants’ other qualifications, and the application process is moving entirely to the Internet. These are only a few of the changes today’s teens confront as they look toward college. The books below will replace outdated volumes and inspire students as they put together post-graduation plans.
As its subtitle suggests, Admission Matters is an excellent introduction for both college-minded teens and their parents. Comprehensive and written in straightforward, clear language, chapters explore the current competitive environment surrounding college applications, what admissions counselors look for, and how to prepare for the new tests and put together an application package. There’s also advice specifically for parents (“What your child will remember long after the college admissions process is over is how you supported him or her”), information about early admissions and financial aid. Sample application forms and recommendation letters, as well as a long list of resources, are among the appended materials. The wealth of information, uncluttered format, and numerous boxed features, such as a checklist of things to do on a college visit, make this an essential guide. (Booklist, August 2005)

Review
"Today’s college admission game is won not by students with the best grades, the best test scores, or the greatest talents as musicians, artists, or athletes.  Today’s admission game is won by those with the best information about the process itself.  Springer and Franck have assembled that information in one easy-to-read volume that has the power to open up the doors of higher education for students across America."
--Theodore R. Mitchell, president, Occidental College

"Well-written and up-to-date, Admission Matters offers students and parents significant insights into the college admission process, as well as important practical advice they can implement all along the way."
--Susanne J. Leggett, post-high school counselor, New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois

"A remarkable book that every student and parent should read before applying to college. . . . This book does a brilliant job of explaining the rules and how to play the game successfully."
--Richard C. Atkinson, president emeritus, University of California

"With savvy insider knowledge and lots of good sense, Springer and Franck explain the admissions process and how to use it for each applicant’s best advantage."
--Carol T. Christ, president, Smith College

"Admission Matters is an impeccably researched and exceptionally well written guide.”
--Graham B. Spanier, president, Pennsylvania State University

"Well-informed, sophisticated, and written in a compelling style…. This book is much more than the ‘users’ manuals’ on the market."
--David Harris Cohen, vice president and dean of the faculty of arts and sciences emeritus, Columbia University, and former provost, Northwestern University

"Demystification, advice, and supporting evidence—all wrapped up into one book. Well done!"
--William H. Caskey, independent college counselor and former director, Alumni College Advising Program, Brown University

"This thoroughly researched and readable book impressed me with its insights and common sense."
--Douglas M. Burdett, head of college guidance, The Brunswick School, Greenwich, Connecticut

Customer Reviews

Very informative and timely
For three years, my daughter and I read U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking of colleges with growing anxiety, a feeling that she had to apply to "the best" ones. Thank heavens for Admission Matters with its message that my daughter should apply, not to the "best" colleges but to the right colleges, ones which will allow her to blossom.

Admission Matters is really three books. The first contains a wealth of information on how to choose "good fit" colleges. The second offers a behind the scenes understanding of what happens in the admissions office, and the third provides a no-gimmick approach to preparing a strong application.

The authors were able to write a book that was valuable to my daughter and to me. They could not have done that without a deep understanding of the anxiety applying to college creates within the family. Well done!

It's all about the fit...
Finally, a how-to-apply-to-college book that won't make you, or your kids, break out in a cold sweat.

There are no cute tricks here, no half-baked theories, and most thankfully, no anxiety-producing rankings. Just everything you need to know about finding the right college, and getting accepted there--while keeping your sanity.

As a mom of two, I've read many, many college admissions books, but none cover the process from beginning to end as thoroughly as Admission Matters. The chapters on fit (yes, it is possible to be unhappy at Stanford!) and applying early are worth the cost of the book alone. The section on athletics as a "hook" was eye-opening.

Sure, you'll still need Fiske's Guide or one of the other huge tomes that provide the lists and score ranges--but this is the book you'll want to refer to when you finally sit down with your kids to narrow down the choices and get the applications rolling. It's a winner!

Packed with helpful information
Many books about college admissions - especially those written by high priced admissions consultants - leave readers with the impression that you need to use some sort of secret (and sometimes devious) trick to get into the college of their choice. This book is different. Sally Springer and Marion Franck demystify what goes on behind the doors of college admissions offices every spring. They provide solid, down-to-earth advice about deciding where to apply and preparing an application that will make admissions officers take notice. No devious or secret tricks here: just great information and terrific ideas that will boost your chances of having a mailbox full of "fat envelopes" come April. Highly recommended.