"A groundbreaking manifesto for people searching for the kind of insight on leading, thinking, and living that elite schools should be--but aren't--providing"-- Deresiewicz takes a sharp look at the high-pressure conveyor belt that begins with demands for perfect grades and culminates in the skewed applications received by college admissions committees. Students are losing the ability to think independently. College is supposed to be a time for self-discovery-- but the system is broken, and he offers solutions on how to fix it. Provided by publisher.

On jacket, the word "Excellent" has a big red "X" over the letters "Ex", making the title "Xcellent sheep."

Introduction -- Sheep. The students ; The history ; The training ; The institutions -- Self. What is college for? ; Inventing your life ; Leadership -- Schools. Great books ; Spirit guides ; Your guide to the rankings -- Society. Welcome to the club ; The self-overcoming of the hereditary meritocracy.