Jones is such a liar and hypocrite!

As the Dean of Admissions, Jones should apologize profusely for how she handles admissions at MIT, instead of trying to pass herself off as an empathatic friend. I agree with a lot of what was said in this book, but it would mean so much more if all of that wonderful advice had come from a more credible source. She is doing everyone a great disservice by suggesting that MIT (and other elite colleges) will understand if you do not have at least ten extracurriculars (p. 3), stellar SAT scores, a minimum of fifteen APs, incredible athletic achievements, and a long list of honors and awards. Oh, and don't forget volunteer work, such as starting an orphanage in Darfur! Furthermore, as everyone knows, Jones is totally anti-Asian American in her selection of candidates for admission (ref: "The Price of Admission: How America's Ruling Class Buys Its Way into Elite Colleges -- and Who Gets Left Outside the Gates" by Daniel Golden), so why pretend like she is on the appliants' side?

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Less Stress, More Success: A New approach to Guiding Your Teen Through College Admissions and Beyond

Really grounded for both parents and teens. A must to read before any other books on college, including the guides to colleges. This gets you centered on what is important and aligns your values; then you can focus on the facts about colleges. A great duo.....a college admissions dean and a pediatrician....both care deeply about kids and speak to what they need.

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One of two great books for stressed out parents

As parents who have seen many of our friends completely lose perspective as their kids apply to college, my wife and decided that we would not go down that road when our time came. Forget all the books that imply they will get your child into a "brand name" school. It's about discovering together a place where they can grow, and strenghtening your relationship as you launch them toward their future. In the name of sanity, I recommend this book (and also a great one our own pediatrician recommended, "Getting In Without Freaking Out.") Stop hovering -- start helping your kids by not imposing your agenda.

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