Synopses & Reviews
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.
- Choosing the Right College
- Writing a Great Essay
- Preparing Strong Applications
- How Colleges Decide
- Getting Financial Aid
Praise for Admission Matters
"The most helpful, accurate, and well-written book on college admissions I have seen in nearly four decades in admissions."
—Robert Massa, former VP, Dickinson College and dean of enrollment, Johns Hopkins
"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
Review
All families will see themselves in this book and benefit from reading it. TWICE. This common sense book is the one I'll use when my son embarks on his college search adventure.
—
Monica Inzer, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Hamilton CollegeCrystal clear and concise, yet surprisingly comprehensive. The authors cover everything about the college admission process -- which too often appears mysterious or secretive -- in simple, understandable terms. I wish I had picked this book up before my daughter sent in her applications.
—Kirk Brennan, Director of Undergraduate Admission, University of Southern California
If you are serious about a college search, you should get the best book available and that is what you just found with Admission Matters. The years of expertise that the authors possess are mightily evident on every page.
—Gary L. Ross, Vice President and Dean of Admission, Colgate University
Admission Matters should be required reading for every high school student about to embark on a college search. It's remarkably thorough and insightful.
—Jennifer Delahunty, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Kenyon College
Since its debut, Admission Matters has been the single best resource available to help students and their families avoid the increasing barbarity of the 'admission marketplace.' The new edition continues that noble tradition by providing essential information and tools to make the college admission process sane, humane and perhaps even, for its fortunate readers, a great voyage of personal growth and discovery.
—Michael Beseda, Vice President for College Communications and Vice Provost for Enrollment, Saint Mary's College of California
I love this book -- it is so easy to read, realistic and spot on with its advice. Besides the great information, the quotes, charts and examples are well placed and help makes sense of the often confusing and overwhelming college admission process. It is a "must read" resource for any student applying to college.
—Bob Bardwell, School Counselor & Director of School Counseling, Monson High School, MA
Thorough, careful and clear -- Admission Matters is a great guide for the experienced parent, the first-time parent and students considering colleges of all types.
—Maria Furtado, Director of Admission, Eckerd College, and Past-Chair, Colleges That Change Lives
For students and parents who are desperate for timely, expert information and advice about college admissions, this new edition of Admission Matters is just what the doctor ordered. It is filled with wise, up-to-date facts and insider knowledge that only seasoned professionals such as Sally Springer, Jon Reider and Joyce Vining Morgan know. Students and parents are going to love it.
—Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, author/founder, adMISSION POSSIBLE, www.admissionpossible.com, selected blogger Huffington Post College section
Admission Matters contains an incredible wealth of very useful information for parents, students and school counselors. Although I've been in the admission counseling field for almost 20 years, the book gave me new insights and perspectives that will help me in my daily work with students and their families. The book is a great resource covering the most current topics and trends in the ever-changing field of college admission.
—Kathi Moody, School Counselor, Lynnfield High School, MA
In the ever evolving world of college admission, Admission Matters is both comprehensive and cutting edge. If you limit yourself to one how-to guide for college admission, ADMISSION MATTERS fills the bill.
—Bruce J. Jones, Associate Director of Admission, Whitman College
Admission Matters is a touchstone book on the topic written by deeply experienced, thoughtful, and respected professionals who realize that applying to college is both a practical and emotional experience for students and parents. Highly recommended.
—Philip Ballinger, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Director of Admissions, University of Washington
A bible for every applicant.
—Sarah McGinty, author, The College Application Essay (College Board)
For all students and parents who seek to understand and successfully negotiate the complexities of selective college admissions, Admission Matters is the must-have resource.
—Paul Marthers, Vice President for Enrollment
and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Admission Matters represents the gold standard for "how-to" books on the college admission process -- and as a former dean of admission, I should know. 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
In an era of information overload, it is refreshing to have accurate, up-to-the minute information on college admissions from real experts. The third edition of Admission Matters helps students find their best college fit, and offers clear and concise tips on the application process. This is perhaps the most helpful, energetic, accurate and well-written book on college admissions I have seen in nearly four decades of admissions work.
—Robert Massa, former Vice President for Enrollment at Dickinson College and Dean of Enrollment at Johns Hopkins University
The all-new third edition of Admissions Matters belongs front and center on every college counselor's shelf and within handy reach of any family with college-bound students. Seasoned professionals as well as families new to college admissions will benefit from the straightforward and up-to-date advice the authors provide on every phase of the admissions process. If you are only going to buy one college guide, make this the one!
—Nancy Griesemer, College Explorations and D.C., Examiner.com
A clear, calm, and comprehensive guide. Whether you know a little or a lot about the college admission process, you will find this book filled with valuable advice from real experts. Loaded with good information, this will help both students and parents navigate an often daunting and confusing process.
—Debra Shaver, Dean of Admission, Smith College
Parents and students will learn how to wisely and successfully navigate the complex college admission process. Comprehensive, there is something for everyone interested in college and university admission in Admission Matters.
—George Mills, former Vice President for Enrollment with 42 years of college admission experience, University of Puget Sound
This important book and its respected and experienced authors provides an antidote to the anxiety felt by many families as they navigate the college admissions process. You can get in, you can afford it, and you can have a valuable experience.
—Jeff Rickey, Vice President and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, St. Lawrence University
This is probably the most thorough book of its kind. On top of that, it is full of accurate advice that should help all students and parents get a better perspective and relieve at great deal of the stress that revolves around today's college admission hype. It is a great resource, even for college counselors!
—William S. Dingledine, Jr.; Certified Educational Planner; Past-President, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
Admissions Matters is a must read for anyone who is seeking to understand the admissions landscape of today -- and make no mistake, it's different than it was just a few short years ago. This book offers wonderful guidance and wisdom for all.
—Nanette H. Tarbouni, Director of College Counseling, John Burroughs School, MO
Admissions Matters is not only an essential how-to for students and families embarking on the college process , but it is a thoughtful and thorough explanation on the why's and how-we-got-here questions of our day. It's a must read.
—Liz Pleshette, Director of College Counseling, Latin School of Chicago
Review
"single, most useful handbook on the complicated and often confusing process of applying to college." (Examiner.com, September 2013)
Synopsis
New 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 the Author
Sally P. Springer, PhD, is associate chancellor emerita at the University of California, Davis, and a psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in higher education as a professor and administrator. She has taken the college admissions journey twice with her children.
Jon Reider, PhD, is director of college counseling at San Francisco University High School, an independent 912 high school. For 15 years he served as an admissions officer and taught humanities at Stanford University.
Joyce Vining Morgan, PhD, is a certified educational planner specializing in college admissions with an online individualized practice. She has over 17 years of experience in college admissions counseling.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction xiii
1 Why Has College Admissions Become So Competitive? 1
It Used to Be Simple...
But Not Anymore
What Is Selectivity All About?
Why Is There So Much Interest in a Small Group of Colleges?
The Rankings Game Why Are Rankings So Popular?
"I'll Make More Money If I Graduate from an Elite College": Another Myth
Getting into Graduate School
The Importance of Fit
2 What Do Colleges Look for in an Applicant? 20
How College Admissions Has Changed
What Matters Now
The Academic Record
Standardized Tests
Engagement Beyond the Classroom: The Extracurricular Record
Personal Qualities: The Person Behind the Paper
Hooks and How They Help
Fitting It All Together
3 How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions? 44
Who Works in Admissions?
What Happens to Your Application?
Tentative Decisions
How the Final Decision Is Made
The Special Case of the Most Selective Colleges
The Role of Your High School Counselor
How College Access Programs Can Help
Should You Consider Hiring an Independent College Counselor?
The Parents' Role
4 How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits 59
So Many Choices: How Do You Begin?
Some Questions to Ask Yourself Liberal Arts Colleges
Research Universities
What's in a Name?
Master's Universities and Baccalaureate Colleges
Specialized Programs
Colleges with Special Affiliations
Earning Your Degree Abroad, in English
Which Kind of College Is Best for You?
Majors, Careers, and Curriculum
How Easily Can You Get Advice and Help?
What Makes for a Quality Undergraduate Experience?
Determining Your Priorities
5 Where Should You Apply? 94
Start at Your Counseling Office
Use a College Search Tool
Meeting College Representatives
Read What They Send You (But Don't Let It Go to Your Head)
How to Narrow Things Down
The College Visit
Showing That You Are Interested
Selectivity and Your College List
Check Out the Data
How Long Should Your College List Be? The Key to a Good College List
A Word About Finances
6 The Big Tests 122
What Is the SAT Supposed to Test?
What Is the ACT Supposed to Measure? How Much Do Standardized Tests Count?
How Should You Prepare?
Which Test Should You Take?
When Should You Take the SAT or ACT?
How Do the PSAT and PLAN Fit into the Picture?
Test-Optional Schools
The Case of Special Accommodations
The SAT Subject Tests
A Word to Parents About Standardized Tests
7 Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options 147
An Overview of Early Acceptance Programs
The Pros and Cons of Early Decision Early Action in Detail
Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action?
More Things to Consider
Likely Letters and Early Notification
The Advantage of Thinking Early Even If You Decide Against Applying Early
And Humor Always Helps Keep Things in Perspective
8 Applying Well, Part I: The Application and Essay 161
Getting Off to a Good Start
Using the Common Application
Writing an Effective Personal Essay
An Important To-Do List
9 Applying Well, Part II: Recommendations, Interviews, and Activities 179
Getting Great Letters of Recommendation
Shining in Your Interview Highlighting What You've Accomplished
The Canadian and British/Irish Difference You've Finished Your Applications. What's Next?
10 Making the Most of Your Special Talents 199
The Student Athlete and Athletic Recruitment
Options for the Student Artist
11 Students with Special Circumstances 221
Students with Disabilities
Tips for Homeschoolers
Making a Change: How to Successfully Transfer Colleges
12 Paying the Bill 242
Key Concepts for Understanding Financial Aid
How Colleges Determine Your Financial Need
What Forms Will You Have to File?
Getting an Estimate of Your Financial Need
What Goes into a Financial Aid Package?
Why Need-Based Packages Can Differ from College to College
Will Your Need for Financial Aid Affect Your Chances for Admission?
How Merit Aid Works
Seeking Outside Scholarships Financial Aid and Your College List
Evaluating Aid After You've Been Accepted Another Word About Early Decision
Planning Ahead When Your Child Is Young
13 Advice for International Students 270
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an International Applicant What Are Colleges Looking For?
How Will Your Application Be Reviewed? Where Should You Apply?
The Role of Standardized Tests
Tests to Show Proficiency in English
Getting the Application Completed
Paying for Your Education
Special Circumstances
The Bigger Picture
14 Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs 291
How Will You Be Notified?
The Special Case of Early Decision
What You Can Do If You Are Deferred
When It Is Your Turn to Decide in the Spring
Dealing with Disappointment
Spring Admits
Taking Another Look
Revisiting Financial Aid
How Wait Lists Work
Deposit Ethics
Should You Consider a Gap Year?
A Word About Senioritis
Celebrate and Enjoy!
15 What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students 315
Some Parting Thoughts for Parents
Some Parting Thoughts for Students
Appendixes
A. College Research Worksheet 325
B. Common Application Essay Instructions and Prompts, 2013–2014 329
C. Sample Student Information Sheet for Letters of Recommendation 331
D. Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet 335
E. Cost of Attendance Worksheet 337
College Preparation Time Line 339
Glossary 349
Resources 355
Notes 363
About the Authors 369
Index 371