I am fascinated by the college admission process but at the same time note how incredibly stressful it is for students to apply to their dream (and other) universities and colleges. There is the pressure teens put on themselves, the expectations of their families, the knowledge of what their friends are considering, their grades, activities, values….the list goes on. It is a scrutiny that teens undergo that I think is worse than what adults face in job interviews. Adding to the strain, high school students are so vulnerable and view colleges “no” letters very personally. What to do? I wish I knew.

I honestly had mixed feelings about this guide to getting into college. It is absolutely packed with information. A look at the Table of Contents shows how much is covered here; this is a truly extensive dive into the process. However, parts of this book may raise, rather than lower a student’s anxiety level. For example, when I read some of the sample college essays, I thought about how it would feel to write one of them. Even with my master’s, I felt a bit intimidated.

I think that this is a book to look at and then decide upon based on the child and their family. Many have praised this book. I just worry that it could add to the pressure of the whole process. To her credit, the anxiety is also a topic in this title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Advantage Media Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

This is the book I wish I had access to when applying to university, it was so extremely helpful and I would love to share my love for this book with others, as I believe it would help so many. I’m in the uk, and in my final year of my English degree, I need too start looking for graduate courses, and I know that without a doubt, this book has my back.

In the Exceptional Applicant, Dr. Deborah Bedor (of College Admission Central) posits that, "For College Admission, You Don't Have To Be Perfect, You Just Have To Be Original." Dr. Bedor offers a multitude of examples through a thorough and easily navigated guidebook (she recommends reading only 10 pages or so a time).

Part 1 includes important chapters such as "6 Make or Break Application Factors" as well as a time table to complete applications (4 years). In part two, Bodur includes examples of students developing their leadership profile (based on their personal interests). and part 3 includes how to write your essay and great tips to complete it! Bodur is a counselor at heart and the last parts include a variety of advice and how to best manage the stress of college applications in your home and school life. I found this book entertaining, inspiring and best yet, incredibly helpful and will recommend it to all of my students. If you are applying to college in the future, or have a family member or friend who will be facing this daunting task, you cannot go wrong with this excellent guidebook!
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