Helpful Books
I have many books related to various college admission topics in my office.
Students are welcome to borrow (overnight or for a weekend) a single book at
a time, but I suggest that you pick up a couple of books for your own regular
or extensive use. Below are some of the books that I find most helpful and
that may interest you.
Essay Writing – I suggest that each rising senior have (and read!) one of
these.
1. The College Application Essay
by Sarah Myers McGinty, published by The College Board
2. Writing a Successful College Application Essay
by George Ehrenhaft, published by Barrons
Learning Disabilities
1. Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADD
by Mangrum & Strichart, published by Petersons
2. The K & W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities
or ADD
By Kravets and Wax, published by Princeton Review (6th edition)
Both are good resources, but I tend to prefer the K & W guide. You might
consider purchasing one of these if your college search needs to focus on
schools with specific services or programs for students with learning
disabilities and/or ADD.
Other books
1. Visiting College Campuses
by Maleson and Spencer, published by Princeton Review
This is a good guide for families that are ready to start planning visits to
a number of colleges.
2. Parent’s Guide to College Admission
by Marjorie Niewenhuis, published by Kaplan
This is a good “getting started” book for parents of 9th, 10th and 11th
graders.
3. Looking Beyond the Ivy League
by Loren Pope, published by Penguin
4. Colleges that Change Lives
by Loren Pope, published by Penguin
Both books by Loren Pope are excellent guides and resources. He recommends
and describes small to mid-sized liberal arts colleges.
5. 100 Colleges Where Average Students Can Excel
by Joe Anne Adler, published by Arco
6. Fiske Guide to Colleges
by Edward Fiske, published by Sourcebooks
I like the descriptions of colleges, but note that it only describes 300
colleges that Fiske refers to as “The Best Colleges in America” (in other
words, moderately to highly selective). Many fine institutions are not
included.
7. The Best 331 Colleges
By Robert Franek, published by Princeton Review
An alternate to Fiske – many of the same colleges, but each book includes
some schools that the other doesn’t.
8. The College Finder
By Antonoff, published by Fawcett
A fun book with lists of colleges in hundreds of categories (colleges for the
friendly student; colleges with unexpectedly strong science programs,
colleges with a balance of academics and social life; colleges with active
honor codes; etc…)
And two excellent books just for parents:
Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School of College
By Patricia Pasick, published by Norton
Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding The College Years
By Coburn and Treeger, published by Harper
