College Admission by Robin Mamlet and Christine Vandevelde

[rcratty]

I have found the book I wished I had when my sons were in High School. College Admission From Application To Acceptance, Step By Step is a comprehensive guide for families with college bound children.

Written by Robin Mamlet, former dean of admission at Stanford, Swarthmore, and Sarah Lawrence and Christine Vandevelde a journalist and parent; together amassed the insights of almost a hundred experts-deans of admissions, financial aid, high school counselors, educators, parenting experts, professionals at ACT, College Board and Common App.

Their goal was “to create the first expert, comprehensive, authoritative, and step by step guide to applying to college.” As a dean of admission for many years, Robin Mamlet, brought to the book information she wished students and families knew. Christine Vandevelde balanced the work with what parents needed to know, on this part of their family’s journey.

College Admission far surpassed all set goals. It is not just about what colleges want and why. It starts with 9th and 10th grades before your child begins to think of what kind of college. That time of making sure your child’s decisions, as well as the courses they take, will keep all doors open for their future. Besides some great information about grades, athletes, and over scheduling there are “From The Desk of The Dean” sprinkled throughout. Jon Boeckenstedt, DePaul University, wrote one, which is a humorous apology to High School Sophomores and freshmen. Humor is how Mamlet and Vandevelde gently guide families through tough issues.

As families navigate though the book, they move from becoming College-Bound, where to apply to applying. From Financial Aid to students with special circumstances, college interviews, tests, visits, essays, extracurricular activities to making that final decision.

Applying to college can be an emotional and stressful time for both students and parents. This all-encompassing, reassuring book is like having a Dean of Admission and parent by your side guiding your family through high school and into collage. A book that is sure to be read and appreciated.

[LivreAmour217]

This does sound like a wonderful resource for college-bound high schoolers. I wish a book like this had existed when I was in high school--the admission process was so daunting that I opted to join the military instead! I did get my degree later on, but getting into a college is very different for an adult veteran (schools are far more helpful in this case). For the average high school student who isn't riding an athletic scholarship, getting into a good college is very challenging.

This was a great review. Thanks for posting!