Bookstore

Make sense of college admissions and prepare a successful applicationAdmission Matters offers comprehensive, expert, and practical advice for parents and students to guide them through the college admissions process. From building a college list, to understanding standardized tests, to obtaining financial aid, to crafting personal statements, to making a final decision, this book guides you every step of the way with clear, sensible advice and practical tips. This new fourth edition has been completely updated to reflect the latest changes in college admissions. including new developments in standardized testing, applications, financial aid and more. Questionnaires, interactive forms, checklists, and other tools help you stay focused and organized throughout the process.. With the answers you need and a down-to-earth perspective, this book provides an invaluable resource for stressed-out students and parents everywhere.Applying to college can be competitive and complex. Admission Matters offers real-world expert advice for all students, whether you're aiming an Ivy or the state school close to home. It also 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.* Understand how the admissions process works and what you can and cannot control* Learn how to build a strong list of good-fit colleges* Craft a strong application package with a compelling personal statement* Get expert advice on early admissions, financial aid, standardized testing, and much more* Make a final decision that is the right one for youWhether you think you've got applying to college under control or don't even know where to begin, Admission Matters is your expert guide throughout the college admissions process.

Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College

Acknowledgments xiIntroduction xiiiPart 1 What You Need to Know Before You Begin 11 Why Has College Admissions Become So Competitive? 32 What Do Colleges Look for in an Applicant? 203 How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions? 454 How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits 62Part 2 Making the Right Choices for You 995 Where Should You Apply? 1016 The Big Tests 1277 Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options 1508 Paying the Bill 164Part 3 Tackling Your Applications 1979 Applying Well, Part I: The Application and the Essay 19910 Applying Well, Part II: Recommendations, Interviews, and Activities 21911 Making the Most of Your Special Talents 24212 Students with Special Circumstances 26613 Advice for International Students 289Part 4 Bringing the Process to a Close 31114 Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs 31315 What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students 336AppendixesA. College Research Worksheet 347B. Essay Prompts, 2017-2018 351C. Financial Aid Shopping Sheet 353D. Cost of Attendance Worksheet 355College Preparation Time Line 357Resources 367Notes 375About the Authors 383Index 385