Getting In: Inside The College Admissions Process

by Bill Paul

With the crisp pacing of a suspense novelist, veteran reporter Bill Paul follows five high-school honor students and the dean of admission at Princeton through each step of the college admissions process. As the narrative unfolds, we watch the students' successes and blunders as they ponder where to apply, write and rewrite their essays, endure alumni interviews, agonize over early decision, and anxiously await the April delivery of the hoped-for thick envelope that means acceptance, or the dreaded thin envelope that contains a curt rejection. What emerges is the clearest picture ever of this complex, frustrating, and highly imperfect process, and how it truly works.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom shared this book with me many years ago, a couple years after I'd gone through the college admissions process. I just re-read it to get back into the applicaton frame of mind, as my brother-in-law embarks on his senior year of high school. Through my high school years, I always viewed getting in to college as a very important game. I knew what "winning" meant for me, and I had a pretty good idea of what I needed to do to ensure I got the admissions letters I wanted. I strategized from the beginning of my freshmen year - I knew what classes I needed to take, what sports I wanted to play, and what other activities I would enjoy, but would also make the biggest impact on my application. Getting In follows four similarly driven high-school students who dream of going to Princeton. The author also interviews the Dean of Admissions at Princeton, Fred Hargadon, at length. I am fascinated by the admissions process, and the grueling hours the admissions officers put in to review and re-review applications. While I'm sure they sometimes make "mistakes," this book makes clear that they are meticulous in their duties, and that while certain types of people (legacies and athletes in particular) may receive preferential treatment in the process to some extent, it is most certainly a game - and you need to play your cards right to win.

[Zane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked learning about what counselors do to help guide students and help them do me self reflective and organized. A few keys that resonated with me were the importance of early action or completing applications early as this shows organization and discipline at the get go. The other piece was how students really need to understand the importance of being authentic in their personal statement to show how they will be a good fit for the school of their choice while making themselves stand out. Lastly I liked the idea and tips for developing students that are exhibit character and compassion. This book is helpful for parents, students, and counselors for the varied perspectives it provides.

[Hong Deng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book explaining the complex college admission process. It gives insigtful suggestions and advice and also includes five real stories of five seniors who were applying to Princeton and other elite universities. It's never too early to start prepare for college and this book certainly unfolds the mystery of college admission process that will be benefitial to everyone! I finished the book in two days!

[Devon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Gatekeepers is a way better look at the college admissions process. It's much more in depth and a much better read.