College admission has become immensely more complicated in recent years. The process has grown more stressful, with students feeling increased pressure to get into a prestigious college. Krista Klein and I wrote this book to provide an in-depth guide to the admissions process at America’s selective colleges to help readers sort through the complexity and thereby retain control of the process—as well as a measure of sanity.

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What is included in this book:

We take readers step-by-step through the entire application process and provide insights from seventy admissions and financial aid directors. At over 600 pages, this is by far the most comprehensive—as well as analytical—guide available. The book covers such vital topics as how to:

 

• Choose the right school for you—in the United States or abroad

 

• Assess and upgrade your credentials to put your best foot forward

 

• Develop the marketing strategy that maximizes your admission chances

 

• Write winning essays that stand apart from the crowd—while retaining your own “voice”

 

• Interview like a pro

 

• Manage the Early Decision-Early Action game

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• Maximize your financial aid strategy

 

We discuss in depth more than a dozen special circumstances that are hardly mentioned in other guides, from home-schooled to learning disabled to “development” cases. We also explore three options for those who may not follow the usual college path: attending a service academy (such as West Point or Navy), attending college abroad (such as Oxford or the London School of Economics), or taking a gap year (a year off) before college.