What Colleges Don't Tell You (And Other Parents Don't Want You to Know): 272 Secrets for Getting Your Kid into the Top Schools : Book Review

"What Colleges Don't Tell You (And Other Parents Don't Want You to Know)" by Elizabeth Wissner-Gross is a comprehensive guide that offers valuable insights and advice for students and parents navigating the college admissions process. Drawing from her own experiences as a college consultant, Wissner-Gross goes beyond common knowledge to provide a more nuanced understanding of the process.

One of the key topics the author addresses is the issue of college rankings. She reveals the flawed methodologies used to determine these rankings and cautions against relying solely on them when selecting a college. Instead, she encourages readers to consider other important factors and not be swayed by the prestige associated with higher ranked colleges.

Financial aid is another crucial aspect that Wissner-Gross emphasizes. She offers practical tips on maximizing scholarship opportunities and highlights the importance of fully exploring all financial aid options to make college more affordable.

The book also stresses the significance of extracurricular activities and their value in college applications. Wissner-Gross provides guidance on how to build a strong extracurricular profile and effectively showcase these experiences to demonstrate a well-rounded personality and diverse interests.

Furthermore, the author challenges the notion that Ivy League schools are the only path to success. She introduces alternative colleges and universities that offer exceptional education and opportunities, dispelling the myth that attending an elite institution is the only way to secure a successful career.

What are readers saying?

The book "What Colleges Don't Tell You (And Other Parents Don't Want You to Know)" by Elizabeth Wissner-Gross has received a range of reviews from readers. Some found the book to be extremely informative and helpful in navigating the college admissions process. They praised the author for providing valuable insights and strategies that are not commonly discussed. The book covers topics such as financial aid, test preparation, and choosing the right extracurricular activities. Many readers appreciated the straightforward advice and felt it gave them a competitive edge in the college application process.

However, there were readers who felt that the book did not meet their expectations. They criticized the author for presenting outdated or irrelevant information. Some mentioned they had already encountered similar advice in other college preparation resources, leading them to believe that the book did not offer any unique or groundbreaking insights.

The writing style of the book was also a point of contention among readers. Some found the organization lacking, with information scattered throughout the chapters. They struggled to follow along and felt that the book lacked a coherent structure. Additionally, a few reviewers mentioned that the author's tone came across as condescending or overly negative, which affected their overall enjoyment of the book.

In summary, "What Colleges Don't Tell You" by Elizabeth Wissner-Gross has received mixed reviews. It appears to offer valuable information for those new to the college admissions process, but may not provide new insights for individuals who have already done their research. The book's organization and writing style were points of criticism among readers, with some finding it difficult to follow and others disliking the author's tone. Ultimately, readers' opinions on the book were divided, and individuals seeking college preparation advice may want to consider other resources as well.