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How this Book Is Superior to All Others: A Shameless (But True) Testimonial

We know you have many choices when it comes to buying a book on college admissions. If you are standing in the bookstore reading this, we hope the following short paragraphs will highlight what makes this book better than all of the others you see on the shelf. If you have already bought this book, then you may skip this section, or read it if you want to see just how smart a purchase you’ve made!

A down-to-earth radically different approach from any other guide. Unlike other books written by so-called “experts,” this book was written by those who have actually done it. With the help of hundreds of students from both elite private and highly selective public colleges, we share with you the secrets of how to get accepted. All of the strategies and tips in this book have been proven successful by students like you. Plus, we’re not shy about revealing mistakes that can turn an otherwise strong application into a guaranteed rejection.

Absolutely essential examples, samples and illustrations. Any how-to book worth the paper it is printed on should provide many examples so that you can see how the tips and strategies are actually used. Not only have we included examples from actual applications, but we have even added 25 real admission essays and an entire completed application.

No useless fluff or padding. This guide gives you all the right information—comprehensively and concisely. You will learn the essential strategies on how to get into college. We know no high school student has the time (or desire) to read a book that doesn’t get to the point.

Stories from real life: The successes and failures of actual students. There is no better way to understand the sometimes mysterious process of college admissions than through the experiences of those who have already done it. Learn from the grand successes and grave mistakes of actual students through their uncensored and honest confessions. Each short story not only reveals how the admissions process really works but is also quite entertaining. (We promise at least a few laughs—not an inconsequential point considering the work ahead of you!)

Easy (and dare we say) fun book to read. You may think college admissions is the diametric opposite of the word “fun,” but if you’re going to spend your valuable time reading this book, the least we can do is make it entertaining. That’s why throughout each chapter you’ll find many personal stories and anecdotes that, aside from teaching you more about college admissions, are also pretty funny.