The seemingly perfect Hawthorne family of northern California is tested by Ivy League ambitions, overscheduling, impossible expectations by the Bay Area elite, and difficult personal secrets.

Over the last few decades, Americans have turned college admissions into a terrifying and occasionally devastating process, preceded by test prep, tutors, all sorts of stratagems, all kinds of rankings, and a conviction among too many young people that their futures will be determined and their worth established by which schools say yes and which say no. That belief is wrong. It's cruel. And in this book, Frank Bruni explains why, giving students...

"A guide that helps college-bound students and their parents navigate the college application process while maintaining their sanity and sense of humor. Includes advice about choosing a school, writing a strong essay, dealing with overly involved parents, preparing for standardized tests, and more"--Provided by publisher.

"From exploration to enrollment, everything the student needs to know and successfully navigate the high school to college transition"--

"Peyton has a seat at the anchor desk of the most-watched morning show, an adoring husband and a Princeton-bound daughter. Skye, her sister, is a stay-at-home mom living in a glitzy suburb of New York, but dreams of a life beyond the PTA and pickup. Max, Peyton's daughter, is poised to kiss her fancy private school goodbye and head off to pursue her dreams in film. Until... One little lie. That's all it takes for the illusions to crack. For resentments...

"Admission Matters offers comprehensive, expert, and practical advice for parents and students to guide them through the college admissions process. From building a college list, to understanding standardized tests, to obtaining financial aid, to crafting personal statements, to making a final decision, this book guides you every step of the way with clear, sensible advice and practical tips. This new fourth edition has been completely updated to...

"An eye-opening and timely look at how colleges drive the very inequalities they are meant to remedy, complete with a call - and a vision - for change"--

"This book provides a new, innovative way for students to navigate the college application landscape. It shows students how selecting a college can be a strategic tool to direct one's future, rather than a frenzied exercise in applying to what others have deemed the "best" universities for everyone regardless of their career goals"--

"This user-friendly guide gives struggling students the step-by-step writing help they need to perfect the writing on their college applications, from the all-important personal essays to the supplemental material like short answer questions and resumes"--