CHAPTER ONE: Why Has College Admission Become So Competitive? It Used to Be Simple . . . But Not Anymore • Which Colleges Are the Most Selective? • Why So Much Interest in Such a Small Group of Colleges? • The Importance of Fit • The Rankings Game • Concerns About Rankings • Why Are Rankings So Popular? • Looking Ahead |
CHAPTER TWO: What Do Selective Colleges Look for in an Applicant? 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 • Fitting It All Together |
CHAPTER THREE: How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions? Who Works in Admissions? • Ambassadors and Gatekeepers • What Happens to Your File? • Tentative Decisions • Making the Final Decision • Building the Freshman Class • The Role of Your High School Counselor • A Few Words About Independent College Counselors • The Parents’ Role |
CHAPTER FOUR: How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits So Many Choices: How Do You Begin? • Some Questions to Ask Yourself • Liberal Arts Colleges • Research Universities • What’s in a Name? • Other Types of Four-Year Institutions • Which Kind of College Is Best for You? • Curriculum and Requirements • Colleges with Special Affiliations • The Intangibles • What Makes for a Quality Undergraduate Experience? • Getting the Information You Need |
CHAPTER FIVE: Where Should You Apply? Start at Your Counseling Office • The College Visit • Selectivity and Your College List • Determining Your Chances • Some Cautions About Data • Self-Assessment and Research: The Keys to a Good College List • A Word About Finances |
CHAPTER SIX: The Big Tests The SAT • Considering the ACT • Which Test Should You Take? • Test-Optional Schools • The Special Case of Special Accommodations • The SAT Subject Tests • A Special Word to Parents About Standardized Tests • A Postscript on the Future of Standardized Testing |
CHAPTER SEVEN: Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options The Pros and Cons of Early Decision • Early Action • Should You Apply Early Decision or Early Action? • More Things to Consider |
CHAPTER EIGHT: Applying Well: Part I Getting Off to a Good Start • Using the Common Application • Writing an Effective Personal Essay • An Important To-Do List |
CHAPTER NINE: Applying Well: Part II Getting Great Letters of Recommendation • Shining in Your Interview • Highlighting What You’ve Accomplished • Special Talents • The Student Athlete • Tips for Homeschoolers • You’ve Finished Your Applications—Now What? |
CHAPTER TEN: Paying the Bill How Do Colleges Determine Your Financial Need? •fication Process • Why Do Need-Based Packages Differ from College to College? • How Can You Estimate Your Financial Need? • What Goes into a Financial Aid Package? • How Is Your Package Put Together? • Will Your Need for Financial Aid Affect Your Chances of Admission? • What About Merit-Based Aid? • Financial Aid and Your Decisions • Another Word About Early Decision • Planning Ahead When Your Child Is Young • A Special Note About Financial Aid in Tough Times! |
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs How Will You be Notified? • The Special Case of Early Decision • When It Is Your Turn to Decide • Spring Admits • Taking Another Look • Revisiting Financial Aid • How Wait-Lists Work • A Word About Senioritis • Celebrate and Enjoy! |
CHAPTER TWELVE:What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students Some Parting Thoughts for Parents • Some Parting Thoughts for Students |
Epilogue and Appendixes College Research Worksheet • Common Application 2009-2010 • Sample Student Information Sheet for Letters of Recommendation • Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet • Cost of Attendance Worksheet • College Preparation Time Line • Glossary • Resources |
