<p>Are these colleges really that good? </p>
<p>Colleges</a> That Change Lives</p>
<p>Or is it all some balonie, only inflating the 'hope' balloon of second rate students?!</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I think the CTCLs are a "see for yourself" deal. I think they are all good, but good for different kinds of students in different situations. You might like one but you might not like others.</p>
<p>And yes, I think part of it is marketing fluff-- it seems like the best way to sell a book on colleges is either to a) convince parents that they need to send their children to Harvard (and tell them the "secrets" on how to do it) or b) convince parents that Harvard is a terrible school to. Both pro and con sell.</p>
<p>My three favorite books that focus on non-obvious schools are "Harvard Schmarvard" by Jay Mathews, "Cool Colleges for the Hyper Intelligent..." by Donald Asher, and "Rugg's Recommendations."</p>
<p>Those three books should give you ideas of good fit quality schools in your range.</p>
<p>I can only speak to 1 of the CTCL so I won't endorse the whole.....you have to match yourself with your college. These are all interesting colleges with unique approaches to education. If that is what works for you, inspires you and gives you what you want in a college education, then thats what matters. My D absolutely loves her school........my D #2 would hate it.</p>