What It Really Takes to Get Into Ivy League and Other Highly Selective Colleges

Product Description

The ultimate insider's guide to getting into the nation's most competitive colleges
Written by a former senior admissions officer at Harvard University, this book provides keen insights into what it takes to get into America's top schools. With the help of case studies of successful Harvard applicants, Charles Hughes II defines the goals and mission of highly selective schools. He explains the relative weight given to:

Academics
Extra-curricular activities
Personal qualities
Intangibles in the admission process

Hughes breaks down the components of the application, explaining the significance of each and how they are evaluated. And, drawing upon his extensive experience, he clues readers in on effective ways for applicants to improve their candidacy, including:

How to prepare early in high school
How to write a better application
How to find the school best suited to their interests, personality, and goals

With this essential guide, students will be able to present their talents in the best light possible, and create a winning college application.

From the Publisher

Chuck Hughes is a former senior admissions officer at Harvard University, where he spent several years evaluating thousands of undergraduate applications. Currently director of academic products for Monster.com, he is a Harvard alumnus and makes his home in Boston, Massachusetts.

From the Back Cover

The ultimate insider guide on getting into the country's top colleges
Getting into the nation's leading colleges is one of the most competitive–and demanding–endeavors students face throughout the course of their education. Even the most outstanding students will benefit from having a knowledgeable guide walk them through every step of the nerve-wracking application process. This unique resource is that guide. Written by a former senior admissions officer from Harvard University, this comprehensive and easy-to-understand handbook provides keen insight into

The goals and missions of the admissions offices at highly selective schools
What the toughest admissions officers are looking for
How to write an Ivy League application
The importance of academics, extracurriculars, and “intangibles”
How to read (and rate) your application like an admissions officer
Finding the school that's right for you
PLUS: Case studies–analyzed by the author, real Harvard applications help you determine if you're Ivy League material

Straight from the hallowed halls of Harvard, this invaluable guidebook offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look inside the bewildering college admissions process–giving you the tools you need to ace your application and join the Ivy League.
“Finally . . . the mystery that is admission to highly selective universities has been unveiled. At a time when acceptance to the nation's top schools has become hyper-competitive, What It Really Takes to Get into Ivy League and Other Highly Selective Colleges arrives to explain the inner workings of the process and does so in a manner that is clear and concise.”–Steve Pemberton, Vice President, Monster and Former Admissions Officer, Boston College
“This book approaches the mysterious world of selective college admissions in a straightforward and down-to-earth way. [The author's] use of actual case studies and admissions deliberations are particularly helpful, as prospective applicants can see how their credentials and experiences might compare to a national and international admissions pool.”–Dan Drummond, Co-Director of College Guidance, University School of Milwaukee and Former Senior Admissions Officer, Harvard College
“Chuck Hughes's insights are of benefit to anyone involved in the college selection process.”–James J. Mohan, Director of Guidance, Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdsale, IL

About the Author

Chuck Hughes is a former senior admissions officer at Harvard University, where he spent several years evaluating thousands of undergraduate applications. C