Acing the College Application

September 1, 2002
Hernandez delivers some brisk, straight talk to teens with sights on high-profile colleges, and having worked in admissions at Dartmouth, she knows the territory. What's somewhat different about her approach is its focus on the common application, which, according to her, can give a talented student a way to stand out. She looks first at filling out the activities section, following with tips on writing the main and supplementary essays--including polishing the style ("eliminate almost every adjective and adverb"), selecting a subject, and injecting passion and enthusiasm into the work. Many sample essays illustrate her points. In addition, she includes a generous section on the personal interview, which not only takes some of the fear out of the process but also explains how teens can use the opportunity to best advantage. A useful addition to the college shelf, just in time for the fall rush.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)