Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know about Getting Into College - Paperback

by Sally P. Springer (Author), Joyce Vining Morgan (Author), Nancy Griesemer (Author)

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.

Back Jacket

Praise for Admission Matters

"From selectivity to testing, rankings, and beyond--the authors explain the nuances and complexities of today's application process. Students and families who want to demystify the ever-changing college admissions process will find this guide invaluable."
--Angel Perez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling

"Clear, comprehensive, strategic and wise, this is by far the best how-to guide to college admissions anywhere. This is a gift from four exceptionally knowledgeable authors to make the admission process interesting and less daunting."
--William M. Shain, college consultant and former head of admissions at Macalester College, Vanderbilt University, and Bowdoin College

"This book is a 'must-have' resource for any college counseling office as well as for any family going through the process. Admission Matters is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to college admissions in an easy to digest format."
--Kathi Moody, Head of School Counseling, Lynnfield High School, member of NACAC and ASCA, and President of the New England Association for College Admission Counseling

"Admission Matters is based on decades of experience and will reduce the anxiety of both the student and their family as they navigate the college search process. This book is worth its weight in gold!"
--Juan Espinoza, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech

The latest and most up-to-date version of the bestselling guide to college admissions

The newly revised Fifth Edition of Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College, offers high school students and their families practical and supportive guidance in the increasingly complex and unpredictable world of college admissions. Based on decades of experience as well as research into the latest developments in admissions, a team of distinguished higher education experts shows you:

• How to build a balanced college list
• Whether to take the SAT or ACT and submit scores
• When to apply
• How to craft a compelling application
• How colleges decide who to admit
• How financial aid works
• And much more

The authors provide real-world advice for all students, whether they attend a high school that is under-resourced or one that offers abundant opportunities, and whether they dream about attending a highly-selective institution or a state school closer to home. Admission Matters also offers practical strategies for students with special circumstances including athletes, international students, and students with learning differences.

The perfect handbook for anyone trying to navigate the ever-changing and often intimidating college admissions process, Admission Matters is sure to remain the gold standard in guides to higher education with this Fifth Edition.

Author Biography

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.