Resources
Acceptance Metrics
Instructions:
- open the link below and input the name of the institutions you are applying to one by one.
- Check the box to the left of your institution name, then click "Compare" to view the enrollment, financial, and academic information of each given institution.
Worthwhile Books about College Admissions
Gladwell critiques the obsession with elite universities and questions whether prestige truly leads to better education or life outcomes. Through essays and commentary, he argues that the fixation on “the best” schools distorts values and priorities in education. The book calls for redefining success beyond traditional academic hierarchies.
This book follows a Wesleyan University admissions officer and several applicants through one admissions cycle. It reveals the human side of the selective college process — how personal stories, institutional needs, and subjective judgment all influence who gets accepted. It’s an inside look at the complexity and imperfection of admissions.
Bruni reassures students and parents that a prestigious college name doesn’t determine a successful future. He profiles people who thrived regardless of where they went to school, emphasizing personal drive, curiosity, and resilience over pedigree. The message: focus on what you do in college, not where you go.
Selingo explores how higher education is being reshaped by technology, economics, and shifting career demands. He argues that traditional colleges must adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. The book offers insight into new models of learning and how students can prepare for a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Lieber breaks down the true financial and emotional cost of college, helping families make more informed choices. He explains how to interpret financial aid, value, and “return on investment” while staying grounded in what matters most to a student’s growth. It’s both a practical guide and a philosophical reflection on what college is worth.
This book provides a data-driven approach to choosing a college that fits a student’s goals and values rather than chasing prestige. It guides readers to think critically about academic outcomes, cost, and personal fit. The tone is rational and reassuring, aiming to empower students to make smart, informed decisions.
Haidt argues that the rise of smartphones and social media in the early 2010s transformed childhood, leading to a mental health crisis among teens. He contrasts the “play-based” childhoods of the past with today’s overprotected, screen-dominated ones. The book calls for reintroducing free play, reducing digital dependence, and rebuilding resilience.
This book encourages parents to let go of control and allow children to make mistakes, experience discomfort, and grow independently. It promotes peace of mind, trust, and emotional balance for both parents and kids. The “Let Them” mindset replaces anxiety and micromanagement with confidence and calm.
Cain celebrates the strengths of introverts and challenges a culture that overly rewards extroversion. Through research and storytelling, she shows how introverts contribute creativity, focus, and empathy. The book encourages workplaces, schools, and families to create environments where quieter temperaments can thrive.
A practical workbook for people struggling with time management and executive function, especially students. It teaches visual and structured strategies for organizing tasks, managing time, and building self-awareness. The goal is to help readers “see” time and make conscious, productive choices in their daily routines.
This book focuses on the mental health challenges college students face during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It offers insight into anxiety, depression, and the pressures of academic life, along with guidance for parents on supporting without smothering. The authors combine clinical expertise with compassionate advice for navigating these critical years.
Selingo goes behind the scenes at selective colleges to reveal how admissions decisions are made today. He exposes the trade-offs, institutional priorities, and changing metrics driving who gets accepted. The book helps families understand the modern admissions game — and why fairness in the process is often an illusion.
Application and Essay Advice from Universities
Princeton - https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/before-you-apply/helpful-tips
Yale University - https://admissions.yale.edu/advice-putting-together-your-application?
Cornell University - https://admissions.cornell.edu/community/blog/writing-your-application-essays-for-cornell
Johns Hopkins University - https://apply.jhu.edu/hopkins-insider/personal-statement/?
University of California, Davis - https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions/blog/how-to-answer-uc-application-piqs-like-an-aggie
Bucknell University - https://www.bucknell.edu/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/tips-writing-college-application-essay?