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.