Customer Reviews

What You Don't Know Can Keep You Out of College: A Top Consultant Explains the 13 Fatal Application Mistakes and Why Character Is the Key to College Admissions

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I bought this book with the intent of giving to my daughter, who is quickly approaching the age where college applications, essays and interviews fill the air. I decided to read it myself, as I have bought her several books about college that have turned out to be duds. I wanted to make sure she wouldn't waste valuable time reading a book that wouldn't be of any help to her.

I discovered the book is full of advice on how to write essays that many top colleges are seeking and how to avoid pitfalls that are common to applicants. In addition, I also discovered a wealth of information on how to interview and what traps to avoid during that process. The book is well written and the information timely and helpful if you are trying to get into a top school, or if you are a student with poor grades trying to get into an average school. It is written in plain language, and although there is some redundancy, it is a book that can easily be read by college bound high school students.

The one caution is that the book is geared for students who are seeking admission into liberal arts colleges. They are the primary colleges that are looking at essays and using interviews for admission purposes. More technical colleges, as my daughter has discovered, are looking more at course load and grades, and put little emphasis or importance on the essay/interview process. If you are looking to go to a technical college, this book might help a little, but it is very helpful for those seeking admission into top liberal arts colleges.

The author focuses on how character plays into the admission process. Especially in schools where there is competition for limited seats, like top colleges. The book provides ideas on how to impress your interviewer. The book is informative, well written, and puts a very personal spin on the admissions process. I want to point out this is NOT a "how to" type book, if you are looking for a checklist type book ON THE ADMISSION PROCESS, a better choice is COLLEGE COUNTDOWN by VonGruben

This book isn't about the usual stuff you need to know to make your college application good. It makes you understand how the applicant as a person is viewed by the admissions committees. They already know by lists what you do in terms of grades and extracurricular activities. What admissions committees are most interested in is what kind of person are you; do you have good character; are you a person with real feelings about the outside world rather than just one who is focused on grades and a good resume. This book tells you how to do it right.

Mr Dunbar's book is an invaluable tool in the process of choosing the right college and preparing your prospective student for putting thier best foot forward.My son has recently gone through 3 college interviews and Mr.Dunbar's book could not have been more correct on exactly how the interviews were conducted.This book is a must have for any college search.

This book does a great job covering, not just application problems, but mistakes to avoid on interviews as well as reference letters and essays. If you have your heart set on a specific college, help stack the deck in your favor by reading this book before you apply.

I used this book for my Medical School application, and even though this book is mainly for Undergraduate College preparation, I could still learn a lot about what really the admission committee looking for in a candidate.
It helps you with your essay writing, all the way to the interview preparation.
For me it was useful for my interview preparation, I got accepted! :-)

Obviously Dunbar knows his subject; but I think this book focused to much on on the college interview at a time when fewer and fewer colleges are offering interviews. I like the "What Colleges Won't Tell You" books better.

it is a good book especially if you are a talented student and you need little advices

I attended a talk by Mr Dunbar the other night. He was knowledgable, interesting and helped explain alot of what goes on behind the closed door in the college admissions office. I am anxious to read his book and learn more as we navigate the college admissions process.