The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College,   ISBN:9780142003084

Customer Rating: 

I gave this book a 4 vs. a 5 because it is now dated. It is not a "how-to" book, and its insights only apply to small liberal arts colleges who have the staff-to-applicant ratio to agonize about each applicant's holistic portrait. Large universities, particularly public institutions, do not have the staff to go much beyond the basic stats for each applicant (although some are now trying to go in a more holistic direction).

That said, it does help the reader (student or parent) to step into the shoes of an admissions officer and understand what the college admissions process looks like from the other side of the desk. Understanding and empathisizing with your ultimate reader helps you suitably prepare your communication for that audience.

Admissions people seem to be young, idealistic, humanistic, savvy, committed, and at certain times of the year, overwhelmed and exhausted!

That tells me: Be genuine, cut through the boredom but still be authentic, be original but not gimicky, be your "best" self but be yourself. And don't be longwinded.

Customer Rating: 

One of the most valuable books that any parent of a perspective college student will read. The author shares a rare view into the closed door spaces of the admissions process; bringing some perspective of the experience from the admissions officers and guidance counselors. This book brings a touch of reality to the often frenetic pace of the college search and admissions process, revealing there is often much subjectivity in this experience. A fast read and well worth your time and attention.

Customer Rating: 

Item received prompty and in great condition. I've been very please with the majority of Amazon's vendors. J

Customer Rating: 

it's a bit dated. Things have changed in the world of admissions since 2003. It does give a great overall picture of what schools look for and expect from its students, but don't believe all of it...nor of any book that's on the market. Having been on the admissions committee of my Ivy League alma mater at one time, if you knew what we were looking for, then everyone who genuinely wanted to, would meet the criteria, and therefore, would be admitted, wouldn't they?

The fact is, there ARE secrets, they are NOT divulged, they DO change, and this book, at a greatly reduced used price (I buy them for my students at around 1.00 or so) is a great source of information to GET YOU THINKING...not to get you any advantage over any other students.

Customer Rating: 

Book was in good condition. Seller's description of the book's "USED" condition was exactly as stated.