"A former Ivy League admissions officer shares her stories from the frontlines of the admissions wars and offers advice on how to stand out, get in, and, most importantly, stay true to yourself as you prepare for college"-- Sabky looks beyond the smoke and mirrors of the intimidating admissions gauntlet and places the power firmly where it should be: in the hands of the students themselves. Offering prescriptive, actionable advice for students and their parents, she illuminates the pathway to finding the school that is the ideal match. -- adapted from back cover Provided by publisher.

The big picture -- The college search. First steps ; Creating the right college list ; The campus list ; Coming to a high school near you -- The application. The school report ; Recommendations ; Extracurriculars ; Testing ; The personal statement ; Supplemental essays ; Submitting the application ; Alumni interviews -- Special considerations. A world on early ; International applicants ; Recruited athletes -- Postdecision. Decision day ; Admitted student events ; Welcome to college ; Best in class.