College Admission Essays for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: Most useful book on this subject
Review: I've read three books on this subject and skimmed another half-dozen. This would be my top choice as it has a lot of solid information and it's organized to allow students to find answers to specific questions. Benefits from absorbing this material will spill over into other writing situations, too.

However, the main reasons for my recommendation are style and relevance. It's a book that will actually engage a student. Ms. Woods is funny and succinct, and her examples and tips are on point and clear. Subheads, boxes, bullets and icons are used effectively to organize and spotlight content.

The most common book recommendation on this topic is Harry Bauld's On Writing the College Application Essay. That book has got good stuff in it too, but will be more appealing to a parent than to a high schooler. If your student is truly interested and engaged in this subject get both books. If getting him or her to look at one book on the subject will be a major achievement make it the Woods book.

Rating:
Summary: Most useful book on this subject
Review: I've read three books on this subject and skimmed another half-dozen. This would be my top choice as it has a lot of solid information and it's organized to allow students to find answers to specific questions. Benefits from absorbing this material will spill over into other writing situations, too.

However, the main reasons for my recommendation are style and relevance. It's a book that will actually engage a student. Ms. Woods is funny and succinct, and her examples and tips are on point and clear. Subheads, boxes, bullets and icons are used effectively to organize and spotlight content.

The most common book recommendation on this topic is Harry Bauld's On Writing the College Application Essay. That book has got good stuff in it too, but will be more appealing to a parent than to a high schooler. If your student is truly interested and engaged in this subject get both books. If getting him or her to look at one book on the subject will be a major achievement make it the Woods book.