8 First Choices: An Expert's Strategies for Getting into College
"My son is a Junior, and I found this book to be a GREAT first guide in the process, and I suggest you get it already during their sophomore year. Packed with common-sense suggestions on how to approach the whole process, what's important and what's not (a few surprises there), the best strategies on narrowing your list of colleges, and PLENTY of advise on how best to communicate with school officials. This is not the only book you will want to read, but is a great starting point and I am sure both my son and I will open it many times throughout his junior and senior years."“Mitchell’s wisdom makes her a legend in college admissions, particularly because she cares so deeply about the right ‘match’ for every student. Mitchell offers many great insights into the complexity of the college admissions process and what should be the overriding concerns of the vital issue of the match between the student and the college.”  —William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions, Harvard University“Trust Joyce Slayton Mitchell. Her advice gives everyone—students, their parents, and their counselors—the ‘can do’ confidence to get through college admissions without meltdown.”  —Sheppard Shanley, senior associate director of admissions, Northwestern University“This is one of the finest publications about college admissions that has come out in some time. The author was able to apply her extensive knowledge of the real issues that create anxiety among students and parents and artfully provide an effective road map to help students navigate their way though the college admission process.”  —Ted Spencer, director of admissions, University of Michigan“For many years Joyce Slayton Mitchell has given outstanding advice to families seeking guidance through the college admissions maze. And we in the admissions profession have enjoyed her valuable insights, sharp opinions, and clear writing as she has examined the college selection process.”  —Christoph Guttentag, dean of admissions, Duke University“A thoughtful and well-done book. Joyce Slayton Mitchell knows of what she speaks.”  —Karl M. Furtenberg, former dean of admissions, Dartmouth“During my twenty-one years at Emory, I have benefited greatly from Joyce Slayton Mitchell’s wise, accurate, and compassionate view of college admissions. Listen to what she says; she gets it right and she knows what’s most important in all of this: the students!”  —Scott L. Allen, Associate Dean, Director of International Recruitment, Emory