<p>I'm wondering what books people recommend (that they've used) in the college admission process...not finding a college or narrowing down a list, but creating the best application possible and doing everything right. So far, my friend has recommended one and people on here have convinced me to read another. I'm going to get:</p>
<p>Rock Hard Apps</p>
<p>The Gatekeepers</p>
<p>Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Brand, I liked "The Gatekeepers" too. It gives a lot of insight, but be aware that anecdotal and personal experiences (even those of an admissions director) are not entirely consistent across all admissions officers nor for all colleges. Admissions criteria can vary greatly, as do weighting of relative factors. In many ways, trying to create the context by which YOUR application is evaluated is a tricky proposition. The moral of the story in "The Gatekeepers", in my mind, is that privilege has its benefits. Keep this in mind when you read the book.</p>
<p>For another perspective, consider "Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That is Best for You" by Jay Matthews. He makes a lot of sense, and he comes from a highly informed place as a long-time education reporter for the Washington Post. I don't agree with him on all things, i.e., I think he's overzealous on AP studies just a wee bit. All in all, he aims to have both students and parents think actively. (BTW, he's the author of the book that inspired the movie, "Stand and Deliver".)</p>
<p>This is hardly a "secret", but I think the NACAC is not widely known and used by most students/parents for uncovering insights into the admissions proccess. Their 2006 "Annual State of College Admission Report" is interesting reading, partiularly the sections on the Admission Strategies and Factors in the Admission Process. Best thing is that it's free and available, right here ...</p>