The College Finder, Revised Edition

Rating:
Summary: Very good starting point for prospective college applicants
Review: By presenting a range and variety of categories that are both unusual and informative, this book assists the prospective student in defining particular schools of interest as well as increasing the number of schools to be considered. Due to its breadth, this is primarily a good book for conducting an initial screening of schools of interest. We encourage further research be undertaken before completing actual college applications.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect book to find a college
Review: This book was very helpful for me. It showed me what to look for when I look for a college, such as location. If you are unsure about which college to go to, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful Guide....with one problem
Review: This helpful guide ranks American colleges and universities on a wide variety of dimensions: admissions, academics, quality, social, internationalism, careers, athletics, enrollment, and cost. This information can clearly help a college-bound student look for an academic setting that will meet her/his needs. For example, colleges with accessible faculty (e.g., Rice & Grinnell) would be perfect for students who like one-on-one attention. On the other hand, some students might be more interested in the top party schools (e.g., Tulane & Arizona State). Other lists are just fun, such as "College Towns with Excellent Pop Music Scenes" (e.g., Seattle & Austin).

However, one major debit exists; although some lists are clearly referenced (e.g., U.S. News's Best National Universities), others are attributed simply to "experts," without explication of the source. For example, the "Top Schools for Chemistry" doesn't clarify from whom or how the rankings were derived. Whether the rankings were solicited from college administrators or experts in the field of chemistry makes a big difference. In other words, I wouldn't simply rely on these listings to pick a school.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for students looking for the right college or university. However, it shouldn't be the primary book they use. Also add a basic college guide that includes stats about each school.