Key Takeaways
1. Start early and research yourself before researching colleges
"Build a life and the colleges that work for you will come."
Self-reflection is key. Begin the college search process by examining your preferences, priorities, interests, and hopes. Ask yourself questions about your academic strengths, extracurricular passions, and personal values. This self-knowledge will guide you toward colleges that are a good fit.
Research colleges thoroughly. Use various resources to learn about potential schools:
- College websites
- Guidebooks
- Virtual tours
- Campus visits
- Conversations with current students and alumni
Look beyond surface-level information to understand each college's:
- Academic programs
- Campus culture
- Student life
- Career outcomes
- Financial aid policies
2. Balance your college list across selectivity and cost
"Applying to ten of the most selective schools does not multiply your chances of being admitted by ten."
Create a balanced list. Aim for 8-10 schools across these categories:
- 2-3 "reach" schools (admission less likely)
- 3-4 "target" schools (good chance of admission)
- 2-3 "safety" schools (high likelihood of admission)
Consider both selectivity and affordability when balancing your list. Include at least one in-state public university as a financially safe option. Use net price calculators to estimate your out-of-pocket costs at each school.
Avoid common pitfalls:
- Applying only to highly selective schools
- Ignoring financial fit
- Choosing schools based solely on rankings or prestige
3. Craft authentic essays that reveal your true self
"The essay is important.… It has to be you, and you will be the most compelling argument for yourself."
Focus on authenticity. Your essay should reveal aspects of your personality, values, and experiences not evident elsewhere in your application. Choose topics that genuinely matter to you, not what you think admission officers want to hear.
Write, revise, repeat. Follow this process:
- Brainstorm ideas
- Free-write to explore topics
- Create an outline
- Write a rough draft
- Revise for content and structure
- Edit for grammar and style
- Get feedback from trusted readers
- Polish your final draft
Show, don't tell. Use specific details and anecdotes to bring your story to life. Avoid clichés and broad generalizations. Let your unique voice shine through.
4. Understand the various decision plans and their implications
"The biggest mistake students and families make is to dream too small. Dream big—apply for financial aid at colleges you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. But make sure you cover yourself by having affordable colleges on your list, too."
Know your options:
- Regular Decision (RD): Standard timeline, non-binding
- Early Action (EA): Earlier application and decision, non-binding
- Early Decision (ED): Binding commitment if accepted
- Rolling Admission: Applications reviewed as received
Consider the pros and cons:
- Early Decision: Higher acceptance rates, but binding commitment
- Early Action: Earlier decision without commitment, may limit other options
- Regular Decision: Most flexibility, but later notification
Financial considerations: Early Decision applicants commit before seeing financial aid offers. Ensure you're comfortable with the potential cost before applying ED.
5. Navigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities wisely
"Don't be afraid to reach out and have a personal conversation with your financial aid officer. It could literally change your financial future."
Understand the types of aid:
- Need-based aid: Grants, loans, work-study
- Merit-based aid: Scholarships for academic, athletic, or other talents
Key steps in the financial aid process:
- File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Submit the CSS Profile if required by your schools
- Research and apply for outside scholarships
- Compare financial aid award letters carefully
- Appeal if your circumstances have changed
Maximize your aid:
- Meet all deadlines
- Provide accurate information
- Consider loan options carefully
- Explore work-study opportunities
6. Present a holistic application highlighting your unique qualities
"Colleges want to see evidence in the course transcript that students are willing to stretch intellectually and academically in the core areas of the curriculum, and that their choice of classes demonstrates a pattern of increasing difficulty."
Showcase academic rigor. Take challenging courses that align with your interests and abilities. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a willingness to push yourself.
Highlight meaningful extracurriculars. Focus on depth of involvement rather than breadth. Emphasize leadership roles, long-term commitments, and the impact of your participation.
Paint a complete picture. Use every part of the application to reveal different aspects of yourself:
- Coursework and grades
- Test scores (if submitting)
- Essays
- Activities list
- Recommendations
- Additional information section (if needed)
7. Approach standardized testing strategically
"Testing counts far less than most students and parents think it does, but more than most colleges are willing to admit."
Understand test-optional policies. Many schools no longer require standardized test scores. Research each college's policy and decide if submitting scores will strengthen your application.
Prepare effectively:
- Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format
- Focus on your weakest areas
- Consider test prep courses or tutoring if needed
- Aim to take the test 2-3 times maximum
Know when to stop. Don't let test prep consume your life. Balance it with other important aspects of your application and high school experience.
8. Leverage recommendations and interviews effectively
"The college interview is not a test. There are no right and wrong answers. A student is not going to be asked to solve a difficult math problem, or open a window that has been nailed shut so he can be observed under pressure. First and foremost, the college interview is a conversation."
Choose recommenders wisely. Ask teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. Provide them with relevant information about your goals and accomplishments.
Prepare for interviews:
- Research the college thoroughly
- Practice common questions
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask
- Dress appropriately and arrive on time
- Be yourself and let your personality shine through
Follow up. Send thank-you notes to interviewers and recommenders. Keep them updated on your college process and final decision.
9. Stay organized and meet all deadlines
"Submit each of your applications well before the clock strikes midnight on the due date."
Create a master calendar. Include deadlines for:
- Applications
- Financial aid forms
- Scholarships
- Testing
- Interviews
Use tools to stay on track:
- Spreadsheets
- Task management apps
- College application platforms (e.g., Common App)
Start early and work consistently. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Allow time for unexpected delays or challenges.
Double-check everything. Review all application materials carefully before submitting. Ensure you've met all requirements and answered all questions completely.
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FAQ
1. What is College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step by Robin Mamlet about?
- Comprehensive admission roadmap: The book provides a detailed, step-by-step guide for students and families navigating the entire college admission process, from early high school planning to final acceptance and financial aid.
- Insider and parental perspectives: Written by Robin Mamlet, a former dean of admission at top colleges, and journalist Christine VanDeVelde, it combines expert insights with a parent’s viewpoint.
- Focus on authenticity and fit: The authors emphasize the importance of students presenting their true selves and finding colleges that match their academic, social, and financial needs.
- Practical tools and resources: Readers gain access to actionable advice, checklists, worksheets, and questions to ask, making the process more manageable and less stressful.
2. Why should I read College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step by Robin Mamlet and Christine VanDeVelde?
- Expert, trustworthy guidance: Robin Mamlet’s decades of experience as a dean of admission and VanDeVelde’s parental insights make this a uniquely authoritative and empathetic resource.
- Holistic, myth-busting approach: The book demystifies the process, debunks common myths, and provides realistic expectations based on actual admission practices.
- Support for all applicants: It offers tailored advice for diverse students, including athletes, artists, international, first-generation, and transfer applicants.
- Encourages healthy process: The authors promote student ownership, authenticity, and resilience, countering media hype and parental pressure.
3. What are the key takeaways from College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step?
- Authenticity is essential: Colleges value genuine, “imperfect” applicants who show their true selves over those who try to “package” themselves.
- Student-driven process: Students should lead the process, with parents and counselors providing support but not control, fostering independence and confidence.
- Fit over prestige: Success depends on finding colleges that align with a student’s interests, abilities, and values, not just rankings or reputation.
- Holistic review: Admission decisions consider grades, course rigor, extracurricular depth, essays, recommendations, and institutional priorities.
- Early financial planning: Families should start financial planning and organization well before senior year to maximize aid opportunities.
4. What is the “secret” to getting into college according to College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step?
- No secret formula: The book echoes Fred Hargadon’s quote, “The big secret in college admission is that there is no big secret.”
- Holistic evaluation: Colleges review many factors beyond grades and test scores, including essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.
- Institutional priorities matter: Admission decisions are influenced by each college’s unique needs, values, and mission, making “fit” as important as merit.
- Authenticity over perfection: Sincere, authentic applicants are preferred over those who appear overly polished or insincere.
5. How does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step recommend students approach 9th and 10th grades?
- Focus on exploration: Early high school years are for discovering interests, enjoying learning, and building a strong academic foundation without undue pressure.
- Wise course selection: Students should take challenging courses in core subjects to keep future options open.
- Avoid overscheduling: Balance is key; too many activities or stress can harm well-being and learning, so downtime is important.
- Begin financial planning: Parents should continue saving and organizing financial records in preparation for future aid applications.
6. What advice does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step give about building relationships with high school and independent counselors?
- High school counselors as advocates: School counselors help with college lists, recommendations, deadlines, and provide personalized guidance.
- Proactive relationship-building: Students should get to know their counselors early to maximize support and advocacy.
- Role of independent counselors: Fee-based consultants can assist students with limited school counseling or special circumstances, but should be carefully vetted.
- Avoid overpackaging: Both parents and counselors should resist creating unrealistic or artificial student profiles, as authenticity is valued by colleges.
7. How does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step advise students on academic records and course selection?
- Academic record is crucial: Grades and course rigor are the most important factors in admission decisions.
- Challenge with balance: Take the most demanding courses you can handle, including AP, IB, or honors, but balance rigor with achievable grades.
- Contextual evaluation: Admissions officers assess transcripts in the context of the high school’s offerings and grading standards.
- Upward trends matter: Improvement over time, especially in challenging courses, is viewed positively.
8. What guidance does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step provide about extracurricular activities?
- No perfect activity formula: There is no required list or combination of activities that guarantees admission.
- Depth over breadth: Sustained commitment and passion in a few activities are valued more than superficial involvement in many.
- Authenticity in involvement: Students should pursue activities that genuinely interest them, not just those chosen to impress colleges.
- Leadership and impact: Leadership is appreciated but not required; meaningful impact and personal growth are more important.
9. What does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step say about standardized testing and its role in admissions?
- Testing is one piece: Standardized tests are just one part of a holistic review and rarely determine admission alone.
- Know your options: Students should familiarize themselves with the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Subject Tests, and plan testing timelines carefully.
- Test-optional policies: Many colleges now allow applicants to submit scores optionally or not at all; always check each school’s requirements.
- Balanced preparation: Overpreparation is discouraged; focus on academic work and reading, as course rigor is more important than test coaching.
10. How does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step recommend creating and balancing a college list?
- Start with self-reflection: Understand your interests, priorities, academic profile, and what you want from college before researching schools.
- Research thoroughly: Consider factors like location, size, academic programs, cost, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities.
- Balance selectivity and cost: Include a range of selectivity (reach, match, safety) and cost, using financial aid calculators to estimate net costs.
- Refine and narrow: Begin with a broad list (15–30 schools), then narrow to 8–10 that fit academically, socially, and financially.
11. What are the different college decision plans described in College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step, and how should students choose among them?
- Regular Decision (RD): Most common, with a January deadline and April notification, allowing time to compare offers.
- Rolling Admission (RA): Applications reviewed as received, with earlier applications having better chances and quicker decisions.
- Early Action (EA) and Restrictive Early Action (REA): Non-binding early options; REA restricts other early applications, but both provide early feedback.
- Early Decision (ED): Binding commitment to enroll if accepted; best for students certain about their first choice and financial aid.
- Choosing wisely: Consider your academic profile, certainty about your first choice, financial aid needs, and the specific plans offered by your colleges.
12. How does College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step address special circumstances for athletes, artists, international, and undocumented students?
- Student athletes: Understand NCAA divisions, recruitment rules, and select “broken-leg schools” you’d attend even without sports; communicate clearly with coaches.
- Arts applicants: Prepare portfolios or audition materials early, follow each college’s requirements, and balance arts with strong academics.
- International students: Learn about the U.S. system, prepare for testing and financial certification, and plan for limited financial aid.
- Undocumented students: Build a support network, research state and college policies, and seek resources and advocacy groups for guidance.
- Tailored advice: The book provides specific strategies and encouragement for each group to navigate unique challenges and maximize opportunities.
Review Summary
College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step receives high praise from readers for its comprehensive, informative approach to the college application process. Many reviewers found it calming and anxiety-reducing, appreciating its honest account and expert advice. Parents and students alike benefited from its detailed guidance on various aspects of college admissions. The book is lauded for its digestible format and unique viewpoint from admissions offices. Some criticisms include outdated information, particularly regarding standardized testing and the Common Application. Overall, readers highly recommend it as an essential resource for college-bound students and their parents.
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