Please note that links are provided to descriptions on Amazon.com or publisher websites
Hands down, the best subjective guide to colleges that exists. Edward Fiske, a former education writer for the NY Times, provides detailed and relevant information on almost 350 top colleges. A must have for any college-bound junior.
Loren Pope asks students to rethink their emphasis on prestige and rankings to evaluate what they really want and need in a college. Colleges that Change Lives spawned a collaboration between the colleges selected, that is now represented on the Colleges that Change Lives website.
Written by a friend and esteemed colleague with a background as a Dean of Admissions, these are two of my favorite and most used books. College Match is the best tool for self-exploration in the college process that I have seen, and The College Finder has all the college lists you could ever want.
Again, another friend and respected colleague with experience as an Admissions Director. These are succinct and to the point; all the information you need with none that you don't. These are the best, most helpful without the hype, books that I have found on the college essay and visit.
Comprised of three student-written summaries of each college included, this book is a fun, if quirky, addition. Not all the students agree, and the material is uncensored, so there are some interesting perspectives. Have a look.
The best reference compilation of details on support services and comprehensive programs for students with learning disabilities. One of the fastest and most reliable ways to find out what a college can offer.
Kimberly Davis, MA, MSCE, CEP
Boarding Schools
There are really no great guides to boarding schools like there are for colleges, and certainly no good subjective guides. Because boarding schools can range in size from 25-1200 students, each one has a very distinctive personality. Unlike at college where almost every student can find a niche, boarding schools simply do not have enough students at each one such that any child will "fit." Because "fit" is such an important piece for boarding school admissions committees, the search process needs to be done carefully and thoroughly. The websites below can start you on your way. In Progress
