[eBook Code] Admission Matters (eBook Code, 4th)

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

Part 1 What You Need to Know Before You Begin 1

1 Why Has College Admissions Become So Competitive? 3

2 What Do Colleges Look for in an Applicant? 20

3 How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions? 45

4 How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits 62

Part 2 Making the Right Choices for You 99

5 Where Should You Apply? 101

6 The Big Tests 127

7 Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options 150

8 Paying the Bill 164

Part 3 Tackling Your Applications 197

9 Applying Well, Part I: The Application and the Essay 199

10 Applying Well, Part II: Recommendations, Interviews, and Activities 219

11 Making the Most of Your Special Talents 242

12 Students with Special Circumstances 266

13 Advice for International Students 289

Part 4 Bringing the Process to a Close 311

14 Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs 313

15 What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students 336

Appendixes

A. College Research Worksheet 347

B. Essay Prompts, 2017–2018 351

C. Financial Aid Shopping Sheet 353

D. Cost of Attendance Worksheet 355

College Preparation Time Line 357

Resources 367

Notes 375

About the Authors 383

Index 385