Lynn F. Jacobs

Jeffrey Durso-Finley

Jonah T. Hyman

Jeremy S. Hyman

Two award-winning professors, a former admissions officer at a major university (now a counselor at a prestigious high school), and a gifted high school senior (now in the throes of the college admissions process himself) team up to offer you over 600 tips, techniques, and strategies to help you get in to the college of your choice. Comprehensive, yet easy-to-read, this book will teach you: How to size up the colleges you're considering—and come up with a coherent list. What are college nights, college fairs, and college rep visits—and how you can use each to your advantage. What are "holistic", "contextualized", and "legacy" admissions—and how each can work for you. How some schools count "demonstrated interest"—and how you can take advantage of this little-known fact. What are Early Decision, Early Action, and Single-Choice Early Action—and whether any is right for you. How to figure out the true costs of college, and what is the difference between "need-" and "merit-based" aid. What it means when colleges say they meet "100% of demonstrated financial aid" and what "loan-free" means. When and how to make campus visits—and what to do on each. How to prepare for each section of the ACT or SAT—and how to increase your scores. What admissions officers are looking for in your application—and how to give it to them. How to write the all-important Common App essay—and present your extra-curricular activities. How to prepare for an alumni interview—and present yourself in the best light. Whom to ask for letters-of-recommendation—and how to help them write the best possible letter. How to compare your final offers—and, in some cases, substantially improve them. When it's good to wait out the "wait list"—and when not. -and much, much more. When you understand the college admissions process, you can maximize your chance of success. Why not put yourself ahead of the pack?

The Secrets of Picking a College (and Getting In!)

An Insider′s Look into the College Application Process The Secrets of Picking a College (and Getting In!) provides 600 tips and techniques for the college application process from people who know the system best: a former admissions officer, two college professors, and a college–bound high–school senior. Newly revised with tips for the 2015–2016 Common App Essay Prompts and the 2016 SAT, this practical book offers insider tips to evaluate potential schools, pick the right fit, and present a compelling application. The Secrets of Picking a College (and Getting In!) includes everything you need in an accessible format including insight on the top ten stages of the college application process: 1. Developing a list of potential colleges 2. Getting suitable information from college fairs, college nights, and rep visits 3. Evaluating your financial need, applying for aid, and finding scholarships 4. Visiting campuses why you should explore colleges in person, when you should plan a visit, and how to schedule your trip 5. Preparing for the SATs and ACTs 6. Perfecting your application: the Common App essay, extracurricular reports, letters of recommendation, and supplements 7. Determining the preferences and expectations of admissions officers 8. Deciding how to apply early decision, early action, or regular decision 9. Presenting your best self in the on–campus or alumni interview 10. Making your final choice and improving the school′s offer The Secrets of Picking a College (and Getting In!) takes the stress out of college planning. It helps you pick the best college for you and improves your chances for admission.

Jeffrey Durso-Finley

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