College Planning for Dummies

The college search is a kind of a game, with preestablished rules and institutional expectations. To find the right college requires knowledge about how the game works. Anyone can play, however, so long as he or she has access to the relevant information. And that's where Pat Ordovensky's College Planning for Dummies comes in. There's a chapter devoted to what exists out there in higher education, explaining the options of private, public, single-sex, and religion-affiliated schools, as well as tuition-free, two-year colleges, and colleges in other countries, and another chapter on what plans and decisions you can make, way before it's time to select a school, with suggestions for 4th graders, 10th graders, and, of course, the last-minute 11th graders. There are also chapters on campus visits, interviews, how many applications to send off, and how colleges look at you, followed by bottom-line chapters on paying for college, describing all your financial aid options in clear, understandable English.

It's organized so nicely that just checking out the table of contents goes a long way toward quelling the panic of an overwhelmed high school junior. It also allows you easily to reference the sections that apply, and to skip those that don't. Despite the title, this is one smart book, intended for people (students, parents, teachers, etc.) who are keen enough to know they could use some guidance through the college maze. --Stephanie Gold

Product Description

Good planning makes all the difference when choosing and applying to a college. With costs and competition higher than ever -- and the job market all but insistent that new employees come bearing sheepskins -- College Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition, may prove one of the most valuable books on your bookshelf. Completely revised and updated with the latest information on financing, entrance examinations, campus life, and more, College Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is a practical, easy-to-understand resource for parents and counselors, as well as students.

Author Pat Ordovensky, for over 15 years a national education writer for USA Today and the Gannett News Service, shows you how to

Research and evaluate potential colleges Fill out applications Compose essays that show you at your best Prepare for interviews and campus visits Find the best financial aid and scholarship opportunities Attend the college of your choice in the United States (for non-U.S. citizens) Save time and money by using the Internet to research schools, apply for admission and financial aid, and more

The book doesn't contain anything about specific schools (like admissions, GPAs, etc..), it is more of a overview on things like deciding location, size, and other factors involved in choosing a college.

One thing I found really interesting was that the book gave all sorts of hints,tips, and facts on colleges. It also proved and disproved many myths surrounding college entrance.

Overall, being a highschool sophomore, I found it well worth the price. This book takes you from beginning to end on the ABCs of college and gives steps on how to prepare no matter what age or level you're at. It really helped me, and I would highly reccomend it to anyone who is planning to go to college and doesn't know where to start.


Ideal birthday gift for a 15 year old bright grandchild.   May 20, 1998
LOS67@ibm.net (Connecticut, , recipient in New Mexico)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful

My about-to be 15 year old, only child grand-daughter is very very bright, but her parents have fairly minimal experience at college choice-making, and we all want for her to be able to leave no stone unturned in the continuingly more complex, but sometimes generous options available to the college-bound. I plan to send it to her for her June birthday. Not much glitz or teen appeal, but she has more than a modicum of tolerance for delayed gratification, and loves schools and achievement. I think this book is excellent in its approach, its readableness (neologism ?), and the broadness of its' scope. I have read a library copy and can't wait for her to own one.