Review: Must Read for All Seeking School Admissions
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 29, 2012
In From Preschool to Grad School: Strategies for Success at Any Level of Competitive Admissions, author Kim Palacios offers timely and practical information on how to successfully navigate the admissions process for all individuals who are seeking admission to any school from preschool up through post-graduate programs.  As a former admissions officer and recent student, Ms. Palacios uses her own experiences combined with research and statistics to deliver a clear picture of the current culture of admissions, what applicants can do to prepare for the admissions process, and helpful tips and tools that can be used to complete applications and admissions interviews.  This book really helped me to understand the process used by admissions committees and how one can distinguish him or herself from other candidates with similar scores, interests and abilities as well as how to avoid the common mistakes that applicants make.This fast paced and clearly written book really allowed me to see the admissions process from the perspective of the schools. The author demonstrates that in today's ultra competitive society, candidates for admissions need to find a way to show that they are a good match for the school, to distinguish themselves from the pack, and demonstrate to the schools to which they are applying that they have something to offer the school in terms of "return on their investment" as a successful alumni and/or as a post-graduate donor.  Schools do not want their students to fail as it reflects poorly on them and the author never suggests that one should gloss over the facts that may seem unappealing to admissions committees.  She encourages thoughtfulness and planning when applying to any school.  I think this book is a must read for parents and students alike.  No applicant should attempt to start the process of admissions without this valuable tool.