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 forall 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 youThe transition to an adaptive, digital format for the SATChanges to the federal process for financial aidWhat selective colleges are increasingly looking for when faced with growing numbers of applicationsDifferences among colleges and how to choose the "best fit" schoolsEarly decision and early action applications and when they make senseAnd much more...

The latest edition ofAdmission Matters remains the gold standard in guides to the ever-changing and often intimidating process of college admissions.

Sally P. Springer, PhD, Associate Chancellor Emerita at the University of California, Davis is a psychologist with over 35 years experience in higher education as a professor and academic administrator. In rewirement she helps students on their path to??college.

Joyce Vining Morgan, PhD, began her long career in education as a college professor and transitioned to teaching high school; becoming a college counselor bridged the two. A retired certified educational planner, she mentors students and new colleagues.

Nancy Griesemer, MA, is a freelance writer and independent educational consultant with decades of experience in education. A??long-time advocate for greater transparency in college admissions, she coaches families and colleagues on the process.

Jon Reider, PhD, has a long career in education that includes 15 years as an admissions officer at Stanford University and 18 years as director of college counseling at San Francisco University High School. He currently works as an advisor and speaker.

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

Part 1 What You Need to Know Before You Begin 1

1 Why Has College Admissions Become So Competitive? 3

2 What Do Colleges Look for in an Applicant? 19

3 How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions? 45

4 How Colleges (and Students) Differ: Finding What Fits 58

Part 2 Making the Right Choices for You 95

5 Building Your College List 97

6 A New Look at Testing 124

7 Deciding About Early Decision and Other Early Options 145

8 Paying the Bill 159

Part 3 Tackling Your Applications 191

9 Applying Well, Part I: The Application and the Essay 193

10 Applying Well, Part II: Recommendations, Interviews, and Activities 209

11 Making the Most of Your Special Talents 229

12 Students with Special Circumstances 254

13 International Students Applying to Study in the U.S. and U.S. Students Applying to Study Internationally 277

Part 4 Bringing the Process to a Close 305

14 Making Your Decision After the Colleges Make Theirs 307

15 What Matters Most: Advice to Parents and Students 329

College Preparation Timeline 339

Resources 349

Notes 359

About the Authors 367

Index 369