Title Details

Sally P. Springer, Ph.D., is associate chancellor at the University of California, Davis. She is a psychologist with more than thirty years of experience in higher education as both a professor and an administrator.

Marion R. Franck, M.A., is a weekly columnist for the Davis Enterpriseand a featured writer in UC Davis' publications for parents.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

ONE: Why Has College Admissions Become So Competitive?

TWO: What Do Selective Colleges Look for in an Applicant?

THREE: How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions?

FOUR: How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits.

FIVE: Where Should You Apply?

SIX: The Big Tests.

SEVEN: Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options.

EIGHT: Applying Well.

NINE: Paying the Bill.

TEN: Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs.

ELEVEN: What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students.

Epilogue.

Appendixes.

A. College Research Worksheet.

B. Common Application 2005–2006.

C. Sample Student Information Sheet for Letters of Recommendation.

D. Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet.

E. Cost of Attendance Worksheet.

College Preparation Time Line.

Glossary.

Resources.

Notes.

About the Authors.

Index.

The world of college preparation has rumbled with seismic shifts in the last few years. The SAT has been completely revamped with a new writing component, college admissions counselors are rethinking how to weight standardized test scores against applicants’ other qualifications, and the application process is moving entirely to the Internet. These are only a few of the changes today’s teens confront as they look toward college. The books below will replace outdated volumes and inspire students as they put together post-graduation plans.
As its subtitle suggests, Admission Matters is an excellent introduction for both college-minded teens and their parents. Comprehensive and written in straightforward, clear language, chapters explore the current competitive environment surrounding college applications, what admissions counselors look for, and how to prepare for the new tests and put together an application package. There’s also advice specifically for parents (“What your child will remember long after the college admissions process is over is how you supported him or her”), information about early admissions and financial aid. Sample application forms and recommendation letters, as well as a long list of resources, are among the appended materials. The wealth of information, uncluttered format, and numerous boxed features, such as a checklist of things to do on a college visit, make this an essential guide. (Booklist, August 2005)"Today’s college admission game is won not by students with the best grades, the best test scores, or the greatest talents as musicians, artists, or athletes.  Today’s admission game is won by those with the best information about the process itself.  Springer and Franck have assembled that information in one easy-to-read volume that has the power to open up the doors of higher education for students across America."
--Theodore R. Mitchell, president, Occidental College

"Well-written and up-to-date, Admission Matters offers students and parents significant insights into the college admission process, as well as important practical advice they can implement all along the way."
--Susanne J. Leggett, post-high school counselor, New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois

"A remarkable book that every student and parent should read before applying to college. . . . This book does a brilliant job of explaining the rules and how to play the game successfully."
--Richard C. Atkinson, president emeritus, University of California

"With savvy insider knowledge and lots of good sense, Springer and Franck explain the admissions process and how to use it for each applicant’s best advantage."
--Carol T. Christ, president, Smith College

"Admission Matters is an impeccably researched and exceptionally well written guide.”
--Graham B. Spanier, president, Pennsylvania State University

"Well-informed, sophisticated, and written in a compelling style…. This book is much more than the ‘users’ manuals’ on the market."
--David Harris Cohen, vice president and dean of the faculty of arts and sciences emeritus, Columbia University, and former provost, Northwestern University

"Demystification, advice, and supporting evidence—all wrapped up into one book. Well done!"
--William H. Caskey, independent college counselor and former director, Alumni College Advising Program, Brown University

"This thoroughly researched and readable book impressed me with its insights and common sense."
--Douglas M. Burdett, head of college guidance, The Brunswick School, Greenwich, Connecticut