There are a number of books that have been published recently that may be helpful to students and parents in the college search process. The titles that have received the most positive reviews are the following in no particular order:
Admission
Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College
by Sally
P. Springer, Jon Reider and Marion R. Franck (Jul 14, 2009). This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the bestselling book Admission
Matters demystifies the college application process and offers practical
advice for choosing the right school, writing an effective essay, navigating
financial aid, and more. This handy resource will help any college-bound student
whether they attend well-funded private schools or cash-strapped public schools.
Filled with helpful suggestions, ideas, and advice, the new edition also
includes tips for home-schooled students who are preparing to attend college.
College
Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step by Robin
Mamlet and Christine
VanDeVelde (Aug 16, 2011). Inside this book, you'll find clear, comprehensive, and expert answers to all
your questions along the way to an acceptance letter. Mamlet and VanDeVelde cover the role of extracurricular activities, what it means to find the right "fit", the role of the student's courses taken in high school, the role of standardized testing, early admission, how wait lists work, when parents help too much, and advice for athletes, artists, international students, and those with learning differences.
Conquering
the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps: Crafting a Winning Personal
Statement by Alan
Gelb (Mar 1, 2008). Writing a memorable personal statement can seem like an overwhelming project for
a young college applicant, but college essay coach Alan Gelb's holistic strategy
and reassuring voice takes out the intimidation factor. Students will identify
an engaging topic and use creative writing techniques to compose a vivid
statement that will reflect their individuality. A much-needed supplement to
other college entrance guides, this useful handbook will help students win over
the admissions dean, while preparing them to write better papers once they've
been accepted. A guide to crafting a meaningful and polished college admissions
essay that expresses the applicant's unique personality, strengths, and goals.
Step-by-step instructions lead students from idea to initial draft, through
revisions, and to a final version ready for submission.
Get
It Together for College, 2nd Edition: A Planner to Help You Get Organized and
Get In by The College Board (Jun 21, 2011). Any high-school senior will tell you that the hardest part of applying to
college is getting organized and staying on top of all the forms, requirements,
and deadlines. This revised edition of Get It Together for College helps
students do just that. Completely updated to cover current college application policies and
procedures, this planner covers everything from how to look for colleges to what
to take to the dorm. The tools and tips are presented in a practical,
quick-and-easy format that helps students relieve stress and take control of the
process.