The College Search Simplified: A Step By Step Guide to Finding and Applying to

Colleges by Christine Tuccille Merry is a practical guide aimed at helping high school students
and their families navigate the complex process of college search and application. Below is a
simplified summary with all important points highlighted and explained, including key sentences
from the book:

Introduction

● Purpose: To break down the college search and application process into manageable
steps.
● Audience: High school students and their families.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

● Identify Interests and Goals: "Understanding what you want from your college
experience is the first step toward finding the right fit."
○ Reflect on academic strengths, extracurricular interests, career aspirations, and
personal preferences.
○ Assess personal values and priorities, such as location, size, and campus
culture.

Step 2: Researching Colleges

● Types of Institutions: "Not all colleges are created equal; understanding the differences
can help you make an informed choice."
○ Learn about different types of colleges: public, private, community colleges, and
liberal arts colleges.
● Programs and Majors: Research colleges that offer strong programs in your areas of
interest.
● Campus Visits and Virtual Tours: "Seeing a college firsthand can give you a feel for
the environment that brochures and websites can't."
○ Visit campuses to experience the environment; use virtual tours if in-person visits
are not possible.
● College Fairs and Information Sessions: Attend events to gather information and ask
questions.

Step 3: Narrowing Down Your List

● Criteria for Selection: "Narrowing your list based on personal criteria can help you
focus on colleges that truly fit your needs."
○ Use factors such as location, size, academic reputation, cost, and campus
culture to narrow down choices.
 ● Safety, Match, and Reach Schools: "Categorizing schools helps ensure you have
options at various levels of selectivity."
○ Categorize colleges into safety (likely to get in), match (good chance), and reach
(less likely but possible) schools.
● Financial Considerations: Consider tuition costs, financial aid options, scholarships,
and overall affordability.

Step 4: The Application Process

● Application Types: "Understanding the different application platforms can streamline

your process."
○ Know the different application methods (Common App, Coalition App, individual
school applications).
● Deadlines and Requirements: "Keep track of deadlines and required materials to stay
on top of the process."
○ Track application deadlines and required materials (essays, recommendations,
transcripts, test scores).
● Essays and Personal Statements: "Your essay is your chance to stand out; make it
count."
○ Write compelling essays that reflect your personality and achievements; seek
feedback and revise.
● Letters of Recommendation: "Strong recommendations can bolster your application."
○ Request letters from teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to
your strengths.

Step 5: Standardized Testing

● SAT, ACT, and Other Tests: "Choose the test that best aligns with your strengths."
○ Understand the differences between tests and decide which ones to take.
● Preparation and Practice: "Preparation is key to achieving your best scores."
○ Use study guides, practice tests, and prep courses to improve scores.
● Test-Optional Policies: Be aware of colleges that do not require standardized test
scores.

Step 6: Financial Aid and Scholarships

● FAFSA and CSS Profile: "Filing these forms is essential for financial aid consideration."
○ Complete these forms to apply for federal and institutional financial aid.
● Types of Aid: Learn about grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
● Scholarship Searches: "Search broadly for scholarships to maximize your funding
opportunities."
○ Use online databases and resources to find and apply for scholarships.

Step 7: Making Your Decision

 ● Comparing Offers: "Carefully compare acceptance letters and financial aid packages."
○ Evaluate acceptance letters and financial aid packages to make an informed
decision.
● Revisits and Admitted Student Days: Attend events for admitted students to finalize
your choice.
● Decision Making: Consider all factors, including academic programs, cost, campus life,
and personal fit.

Step 8: Preparing for College

● Acceptance and Enrollment: "Meet all deadlines and complete necessary paperwork
promptly."
○ Complete paperwork and meet enrollment deadlines.
● Orientation and Housing: Participate in orientation programs and arrange for housing.
● Transition Tips: "Prepare for the transition to college life by learning to manage your
time and finances."
○ Get ready for college life by managing time, finances, and academic
expectations.

Conclusion

● Final Thoughts: "Stay organized, proactive, and flexible throughout the process."
○ Emphasizes organization, proactivity, and flexibility.
● Support Systems: "Lean on your support systems for guidance and encouragement."
○ Rely on family, friends, school counselors, and mentors for support.

This guide simplifies the complex process of college search and application, helping students
and families make informed decisions and reduce stress.

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2020 by Edward B. Fiske is a comprehensive resource for students
and families navigating the college selection process. Here’s a simplified summary highlighting
all important points with explanations and key sentences from the book:

Introduction

● Purpose: To provide detailed and honest reviews of over 300 colleges and universities
in the United States.
● Audience: Prospective college students and their families.

College Profiles
 ● Detailed Descriptions: Each college profile includes key information on academics,
student life, financial aid, and admissions.
○ "Our profiles are designed to provide an in-depth look at each institution, going
beyond the basics to give you a feel for what it's really like to attend."
● Insights and Quotes: The book includes insights from students and faculty to offer a
personal perspective on each institution.
○ "Real voices from the campus community help paint a vivid picture of life at each
school."

Key Sections

1. Academics
○ Programs and Majors: Highlights unique academic programs and standout
departments.
■ "Whether you're looking for a renowned business school or a top-notch
engineering program, we detail where each school excels."
○ Teaching Quality: Evaluates the quality of teaching and academic support.
■ "High marks for faculty engagement and mentoring are a hallmark of top
academic institutions."
2. Admissions
○ Selectivity: Provides data on acceptance rates and average SAT/ACT scores.
■ "With an acceptance rate of just 8%, admission to this school is highly
competitive."
○ Application Tips: Offers advice on how to strengthen your application for each
institution.
■ "Stand out by highlighting unique experiences and personal growth in
your essays."
3. Financial Aid
○ Cost: Lists tuition, fees, and average financial aid packages.
■ "While the sticker price may seem high, generous financial aid packages
can make these schools more affordable than you might think."
○ Scholarships: Information on available scholarships and how to apply for them.
■ "Explore merit-based and need-based scholarships to help fund your
education."
4. Student Life
○ Campus Culture: Describes the social atmosphere, traditions, and
extracurricular activities.
■ "From Greek life to outdoor clubs, find out what makes the campus
community vibrant and engaging."
○ Housing and Dining: Reviews dorms, dining options, and campus facilities.
■ "Modern dorms and diverse dining options contribute to a comfortable
living experience."
5. Quality of Life
 ○ Ratings: Colleges are rated on a scale for academic, social, and quality of life
categories.
■ "Our quality of life ratings consider factors like campus safety, student
happiness, and recreational opportunities."
○ Environment: Includes information on campus safety, surrounding community,
and recreational opportunities.
■ "Located in a picturesque college town, the campus offers a safe and
welcoming environment."

Special Sections

● Public vs. Private: Comparison of public and private institutions, highlighting differences
in cost, size, and student experience.
○ "Public universities often offer a larger, more diverse student body and lower
in-state tuition rates."
● Liberal Arts Colleges: Focuses on the benefits of attending a smaller liberal arts
college versus a larger university.
○ "Liberal arts colleges provide a close-knit community and a broad-based
education that emphasizes critical thinking."
● Hidden Gems: Features lesser-known schools that offer excellent programs and
opportunities.
○ "Don't overlook these schools; they offer strong academics and unique
opportunities at a lower cost."
● Best Buys: Identifies colleges that offer the best value for the cost, considering both
academic quality and affordability.
○ "These institutions provide a top-tier education without the top-tier price tag."

Admissions Advice

● Application Strategies: Tips on how to approach the college application process,

including essay writing and interview preparation.
○ "Crafting a compelling personal narrative can make your application stand out in
a crowded field."
● Choosing the Right Fit: Guidance on how to find a college that matches your academic
interests, social preferences, and career goals.
○ "Finding the right fit is about more than just rankings; it's about where you'll thrive
both academically and personally."
● Campus Visits: Advice on how to make the most of campus visits and what questions to
ask during tours.
○ "Use campus visits to get a true sense of the environment and see if you can
picture yourself there."

Conclusion
 ● Final Thoughts: Emphasizes the importance of finding a college that is the right fit
academically, socially, and financially.
○ "Ultimately, the best college for you is one where you feel challenged, supported,
and at home."
● Resources: Lists additional resources and websites for further research on colleges and
universities.
○ "For more detailed information, visit the college websites and use our
recommended online resources."

Final Thoughts

● Changing Landscape: Notes the evolving nature of college admissions, including

increasing competition and shifting priorities.
○ "As the college admissions landscape changes, staying informed and adaptable
is key to finding the right school."
● Empowerment Through Knowledge: Aims to empower students and parents with
knowledge, reducing anxiety and helping them make informed decisions.
○ "Knowledge is power; understanding the nuances of each institution can help you
make a confident and informed choice."

By using the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2020, students and families can gain a comprehensive
understanding of what each college offers, helping them find the best fit for their academic and
personal needs. This guide aims to simplify the search process and provide valuable insights to
support informed decision-making.

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo provides an
insider's view of the college admissions process, explaining the various factors that influence
admissions decisions and shedding light on the complexities of the system. Here is a simplified
summary highlighting all the important points with explanations and key sentences from the
book:

Introduction

● Purpose: To demystify the college admissions process by revealing the realities behind
who gets accepted and why.
● Research Method: Selingo spent a year embedded in the admissions offices of three
different colleges and universities.

Key Insights

1. The Admissions Landscape

 ○ Selective vs. Non-Selective Schools: Highlights differences in the admissions
process at highly selective schools versus less selective ones.
■ "Selective colleges don’t just admit students; they build a class."
○ Market Forces: Explains how market demands, demographics, and institutional
priorities shape admissions strategies.
■ "Admissions decisions are not just about individual merit but also about
the needs of the institution."
2. Application Review Process
○ Holistic Review: Describes the holistic approach used by many colleges,
considering grades, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
■ "The holistic review is about seeing the student behind the numbers."
○ Reading Committees: Details the role of committees in reviewing applications
and making decisions.
■ "Applications are often read by several people, each bringing their
perspective to the decision."
○ Institutional Priorities: Outlines how colleges prioritize needs like diversity,
athletics, legacy admissions, and specific academic programs.
■ "Every college has its own set of priorities that influence admissions
decisions."
3. Factors Influencing Decisions
○ Academic Metrics: Emphasizes the importance of GPA, class rank, and the
rigor of coursework.
■ "Grades and course rigor are still the most important factors in
admissions decisions."
○ Standardized Tests: Discusses the role of SAT/ACT scores, including the
test-optional movement.
■ "Test scores can act as a tie-breaker in close decisions, but their
importance is diminishing at many schools."
○ Extracurricular Activities: Highlights the significance of leadership,
commitment, and impact in extracurricular involvement.
■ "Depth of involvement and leadership in activities often carry more weight
than the sheer number of activities."
○ Essays and Personal Statements: Describes how compelling essays can
differentiate applicants.
■ "A well-crafted essay can provide a window into a student's personality
and passions."
○ Letters of Recommendation: Importance of strong, personalized
recommendations from teachers and counselors.
■ "Recommendations should provide specific insights into a student's
abilities and character."
4. Types of Applicants
○ Edgers: Students who are on the cusp of being admitted or denied, often
influenced by institutional needs.
 ■ "Edgers often tip one way or the other based on the needs of the
incoming class."
○ Strivers: High-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds who are
given special consideration.
■ "Strivers bring diversity and unique perspectives that enrich the campus
community."
○ Legacy and Development Cases: Children of alumni or donors who may
receive preferential treatment.
■ "Legacy status can be a significant advantage at many selective
colleges."
5. Institutional Strategies
○ Yield Management: Techniques used to predict and influence which accepted
students will enroll.
■ "Colleges use sophisticated models to manage their yield rates and
ensure a full freshman class."
○ Early Decision/Early Action: Benefits and drawbacks of applying early,
including higher acceptance rates but binding commitments.
■ "Early Decision can increase your chances of admission but requires a
binding commitment if accepted."
○ Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships: How financial considerations impact
admissions decisions and vice versa.
■ "Financial aid offers and merit scholarships are used strategically to
attract desirable students."
6. Case Studies and Real Stories
○ Student Profiles: Detailed accounts of various students' application journeys,
highlighting different outcomes and reasons behind them.
■ "Real stories illustrate the unpredictable nature of the admissions
process."
○ Admissions Officers’ Perspectives: Insights from admissions professionals on
what they look for and how decisions are made.
■ "Admissions officers weigh numerous factors to build a balanced and
dynamic class."

Conclusion

● Transparency and Fairness: Advocates for more transparency in the admissions

process to help students and families better understand how decisions are made.
○ "Greater transparency can help demystify the process and reduce the anxiety
surrounding it."
● Advice for Applicants: Encourages students to apply to a range of schools, focus on
their unique strengths, and not overly stress about the admissions process.
○ "Applying to a balanced list of schools can increase your chances of finding a
good fit."
Final Thoughts

● Changing Landscape: Notes the evolving nature of college admissions, including

increasing competition and shifting priorities.
○ "The landscape of college admissions is continually changing, requiring students
to stay informed and adaptable."
● Empowerment Through Knowledge: Aims to empower students and parents with
knowledge, reducing anxiety and helping them make informed decisions.
○ "Knowledge of the process can empower students to approach college
admissions with confidence and clarity."

By reading Who Gets In and Why, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted
college admissions process, equipping them with insights to navigate it more effectively.

Accepted!: Secrets to Gaining Admission to the World's Top Universities by Jamie Beaton
offers an insider’s guide to successfully applying to prestigious universities. Here’s a simplified
summary highlighting all the important points with explanations and key sentences from the
book:

Introduction

● Purpose: To provide strategies and insights for gaining admission to top universities
around the world.
● Audience: Ambitious students aiming to attend elite institutions.

Understanding the Admissions Process

● Holistic Admissions: Top universities often use a holistic review process, considering a
wide range of factors.
○ "Admissions is not just about test scores and grades; it's about the whole
person."
● Institutional Fit: Universities look for students who fit their institutional culture and
values.
○ "Admissions officers are not just looking for academic excellence but for students
who will thrive and contribute to their community."

Academic Excellence

● Grades and Rigor: Consistently high grades and challenging coursework are crucial.
○ "Top grades in the hardest courses your school offers are the foundation of a
strong application."
 ● Standardized Tests: High scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, or international
equivalents) are important.
○ "Strong test scores can set you apart, but they are just one part of the picture."

Extracurricular Activities

● Depth Over Breadth: Deep involvement and leadership in a few activities are more
impressive than superficial involvement in many.
○ "Admissions officers are looking for passion and commitment, not a laundry list of
activities."
● Unique Contributions: Highlight unique talents or contributions that distinguish you
from other applicants.
○ "Your unique talents and achievements can help you stand out in a crowded
field."

Personal Statements and Essays

● Compelling Storytelling: Use your essays to tell a compelling personal story that
reflects your character and aspirations.
○ "Your personal statement is your chance to speak directly to the admissions
committee; make it count."
● Authenticity: Be genuine and honest in your writing.
○ "Authenticity resonates more than trying to say what you think admissions
officers want to hear."

Letters of Recommendation

● Strong Endorsements: Obtain recommendations from teachers or mentors who know

you well and can speak to your strengths.
○ "A powerful recommendation can provide insights into your character and
achievements that grades and test scores cannot."

Interviews

● Preparation and Confidence: Prepare thoroughly and approach interviews with

confidence.
○ "Interviews are an opportunity to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for
the school."
● Know the School: Research the university thoroughly and be ready to discuss why it’s
the right fit for you.
○ "Demonstrating a genuine interest in the school can leave a positive impression
on your interviewer."

Strategic Application Planning

 ● Application Strategy: Apply to a balanced mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
○ "A well-rounded application strategy increases your chances of acceptance while
ensuring you have good options."
● Early Decision/Early Action: Understand the benefits and risks of early applications.
○ "Applying early can improve your chances, but it's a binding commitment, so be
sure it's the right choice for you."

International Applications

● Global Perspective: Be aware of differences in application processes and expectations

for international students.
○ "Understanding the nuances of international admissions can give you a strategic
advantage."
● Cultural Fit: Highlight how your international background will contribute to the university
community.
○ "Show how your unique perspective and experiences will enrich the campus
culture."

Financial Aid and Scholarships

● Research Opportunities: Look for scholarships and financial aid options early in the
process.
○ "Financial aid can make top universities more accessible, so don't overlook these
opportunities."
● Merit and Need-Based Aid: Understand the differences and apply for both types of aid.
○ "Explore all avenues of funding to ensure you can afford your education without
excessive debt."

Final Thoughts

● Perseverance and Resilience: The application process is challenging, but persistence

and resilience are key.
○ "The journey to acceptance is often filled with setbacks, but perseverance is
essential."
● Growth and Learning: View the application process as an opportunity for personal
growth and learning.
○ "Regardless of the outcome, the process of applying to top universities can teach
you valuable lessons about yourself and your goals."

Conclusion

● Empowerment Through Preparation: Thorough preparation and a strategic approach

can significantly improve your chances of admission.
 ○ "Success in admissions comes from being well-prepared and strategically
minded."
● Encouragement: Believe in your potential and pursue your goals with determination.
○ "Believe in your ability to succeed, and approach the process with confidence
and determination."

By following the insights and strategies in Accepted!, students can enhance their applications
and improve their chances of gaining admission to the world's top universities. This guide
empowers students with knowledge and practical advice to navigate the competitive admissions
landscape.