A higher-education journalist draws on insider access to explain the nuts and bolts of college admissions today, outlining the unexpected agendas that reflect which and why prospective students receive admission into better schools. Many believe that college admissions is merit-based, rewarding the best students. Selingo, who was embedded in three different admissions offices, dispels entrenched notions of how to compete and win at the admissions game, and reveals that teenagers and parents have much to gain by broadening their notion of what qualifies as a "good college." Hint: it's not all about the sticker on the car window. Admissions officers often make split-second decisions based on a variety of factors-- like diversity, money, and, ultimately, whether a student will enroll if accepted. Selingo guides prospective students on how to honestly assess their strengths and match with the schools that will best serve their interests. -- adapted from jacket

Introduction: Steering the college's agenda -- Fall: Recruitment season. Selling a college: the endless pursuit of students ; Defining prestige: the buyers and sellers -- Winter: Reading season. Understanding merit: look at all the Bs ; Playing the odds: early decision ; Finding an edge: athletes and legacies ; Comparing grades: high school matters ; Finding diamonds: regular decision -- Spring: Decision season. Shaping a class: the final, close calls ; Paying for college: the best class money can buy ; Making the final decision: May 1 -- Conclusion: Charting the future -- Appendix: What matters most.