Let's face it. Teens + College = STRESS While many books provide parents with information about college admissions, few anticipate their questions and provide honest answers to the reality of the process based upon research AND the personal experience of launching 3 very distinct and unique teenagers in the last five years. Demystifying COLLEGE ADMISSIONS will offer parents a simple guide, practical advice and real world experience, bringing together all the information you need to know about the college matriculation process, from freshman year in high school to acceptance into college. It is not surprising that many parents feel so overwhelmed by the prospect of college because there is so much information to process. Parents must not only research and educate themselves, but also deal with their teenagers who are on the verge of making life-changing decisions. In the midst of all this, parents discover their teens are changing their goals, aspirations and preferences at the drop of a hat. Personal experience and research* give way to the facts, simple steps, additional resources, and reality checks that will empower parents to take an active role in most effectively helping their teens find the colleges that are the best fit **Up to date research includes information on the following: *The Common Application *SAT and ACT *AP and Honors Classes *ED, RD, EA *FAFSA and CSS/Profile *Estimated Family Contributions (EFC) *Athletics *Arts Supplements **50% of the Net Proceeds from the Sale of This Book Will Be Donated to Various Non-Profit Organizations Specifically Designated for Education Enrichment.

The most up-to-date version of the best-selling guide to college admissions for over twenty years Newly revised and thoroughly updated, the fifth edition of Admission Matters continues to be the go-to guide for students and families seeking help with the college admissions process. Higher education experts Sally P. Springer, Ph.D., Joyce Vining Morgan, Ph.D., Nancy Griesemer, M.A., and Jon Reider, Ph.D., deliver a practical and accessible roadmap for a successful admissions outcome, whether the student is a high school freshman or a senior about to apply to college. Reassuring and easy to read, Admission Matters provides deep insight into a process that has become increasingly complex and unpredictable with each passing year. In the fifth edition, readers will learn how to build a balanced college list, when to apply, what goes into crafting a compelling application, how colleges make decisions, how financial aid works, and more. Admission Matters offers real-world expert advice for all students, whether they're aiming for an Ivy or a state school close to home. The book provides practical guidance for students and families whether they come from an under-resourced background or one that has provided abundant opportunities. Admission Matters also includes much-needed information for students with special circumstances, including students with disabilities, international students, transfers, and non-traditional students. Athletes, artists and performers, and homeschoolers will also have many of their questions answered as they plan for and apply to college. Admission Matters also provides the latest information on: The shift to test-optional or test-free admissions at many schools and what that means for you The transition to an adaptive, digital format for the SAT Changes to the federal process for financial aid What selective colleges are increasingly looking for when faced with growing numbers of applications Differences among colleges and how to choose the "best fit" schools Early decision and early action applications and when they make sense And much more... The latest edition of Admission Matters remains the gold standard in guides to the ever-changing and often intimidating process of college admissions.

Demystifying the process of completing a college application Written by two former admissions officers at top universities and current admissions coaches, this book is a must-have for preparing a winning college application. The authors reveal the mystery behind what college admissions officers are looking for and show applicants how to leverage their credentials, stand out in the over-crowded applicants' pool, and make a genuine, memorable impression. This is the book that will help the college-bound get off the "like many others" pile and onto the acceptance list. Includes instructions and examples for every component of the college application, from writing the essay to answering questions like "Why do you want to go to College X?" Shows how to avoid underestimating the importance of critical features on any application Includes the latest information on the Common Application 4.0 and corrects outdated, holdover advice still stressed in many other books This book is filled with step-by-step advice that students and parents can use immediately and will refer to again and again.

Applications, personal essays, campus visits, and those dreaded SATs and ACTs, the process of applying to, and getting into, college is almost as complicated as higher education itself. In this anthology, readers will get an in-depth look at the admission process, including viewpoints about the fairness and relevance of standardized test scores, the importance of volunteer and extracurricular activities, and how to market oneself as an ideal candidate for admission. Choosing a college is one of life's most important decisions, and readers of this resource will be presented with valuable information.

Updated and completely revised, the ultimate family guide to managing a college search in a positive way. Is your family just starting to think about visiting colleges? Maybe you are in the throes of the college search, feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Miss a deadline? Should you be looking in-state or out-of-state, big school or small? How do you pay for it, and what is a "FAFSA" anyway? The Truth about College Admission is the easy-to-follow, comprehensive, go-to guide for families. Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark—with combined decades of experience and insight from both the high school and university sides of the process—provide critical advice, thoughtful strategies, helpful direction, and invaluable reassurance during the long and often bewildering college admission journey. This book covers every important step: searching for colleges, creating a list of prospective schools, weighing financial considerations, crafting an application, learning what schools are looking for academically and outside the classroom, and understanding how colleges decide whom to accept. Helpful sections like "Try This," "Talk About This," and "Check In," and "Extra Credit" show your family how to have open and balanced conversations to keep everyone on the same page, feeling less stressed, and actually enjoying the adventure together. This completely revised second edition includes new information on affordability and aid that addresses important financial considerations. It also explores changes in standardized testing and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Truth about College Admission is the practical and inspiring guidebook your family needs, an essential companion on the path toward acceptance to college.