Recently I received a book to review about how to create an application that stands out from the others. The book, How to Prepare a Standout College Application: Expert Advice That Takes You From LMO (like many others) to Admit, is written by Allison Cooper Chisolm and Anna Ivey, both former admissions officers at top universities. They have drawn from their experiences and given parents and students a step by step process on how to complete a stellar college application that makes an impression on admissions officers.

According to Chisholm and Ivey,

Stellar credentials are great, but without a standout application, they are not enough. It really is as simple as that. So when people ask us, “What’s the secret?” our answer is always the same: The application is the secret.

The authors remind applicants that a stellar application requires time and effort. It’s not something you can complete in an afternoon. They believe there are 7 proven strategies that work:

1. Work Smarter, Not Harder
2. Think Like an Admissions Officer
3. Tell Your Story
4. Focus on the Core Four: Passion, Talent, Initiative and Impact
5. Sweat the Details
6. Make the Form Work for You
7. Show, Don’t Tell

Using these strategies, their book is a DIY guide to help your student produce a standout application. All of the stories and examples in the book are from personal experiences with real-life applicants and their families. The book covers all aspects of the application process from start to finish: how to get started; how to complete the application; and how to submit it and follow up.

What I liked about the book

It’s hard to summarize such a wealth of information in a review, but as I read the book, I thought about the things that I liked from a parent and a college coach standpoint:

• The book gives easy to understand parent tips throughout, giving parents the information they need to help their student with the application process.
• Seeing the application through the eyes of an admissions officer is invaluable.
• The book walks the student through each step of telling their story and how it helps them stand out from other applicants.
• The insider tips on how to get the application in the right pile by answering questions related to your student’s admissions chances.
• Sample resumes and other application components.
• They address the nuances of home school applicants.
• The book addresses the issues of following up, handling questions, and dealing with deferred admission.

This book is an invaluable tool for parents who are helping their student navigate the college maze. You can purchase it on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/How-Prepare-Standout-College-Application/dp/1118414403). But, if you’re lucky, you might just win a FREE copy of the book provided by the authors. Just enter my Book Giveway below, win, and it could be on its way to you when the giveaway ends on September 26, 2013.

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