Book Review: Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo
As a college admissions counselor with over two decades of experience, I am often approached by families eager to navigate the daunting process of college applications. So, when I stumbled upon Jeffrey Selingo’s Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, I felt compelled to dive in. After all, Selingo, a seasoned journalist focused on higher education, promises an insider’s view into the often opaque world of college admissions. What could be more enlightening than insights from someone who has embedded himself within university admissions offices?
Selingo’s book is structured around the experiences of three students—two enthusiastic “drivers” and one passive “passenger”—while he shadowed admissions at three universities: the University of Washington, Emory, and Davidson College. Throughout these narratives, Selingo presents a revealing account of how admissions decisions are made, infused with historical context regarding enrollment management and marketing tactics. His observations reflect a truth that resonates particularly with me: “Most of the real screening for selective universities is rooted in the home and school environment of children from infancy on,” a sentiment echoed by MIT’s Admissions Director, B. Alden Thresher.
While Selingo provides valuable viewpoints on the intricacies of admissions, readers must note that his approach leans more towards journalism than a practical guide. For families seeking detailed, tactical advice, they might find clearer guidance in The Truth About College Admissions by the Director of Admissions at Georgia Tech. That said, I found Selingo’s insights into the admissions process—including categories used for applicant rating—intriguing. He illustrates that the scores allocated by admissions officers can vary significantly across institutions and how individual “quirkiness” plays a role in comprising a well-rounded incoming class. This notion—emphasizing that it’s the class that needs to be well-rounded, not the individual—is refreshing and, I believe, an essential perspective for applicants to consider.
Notably, the book addresses the undeniable reality of preferential treatment for athletes in college admissions. Selingo states, startlingly, that “selective colleges like Amherst or Harvard find themselves with fewer spots for nonathletes.” This resonated deeply with me, as I’ve witnessed countless families putting all their hopes into athletics without recognizing the slim chances of their investments paying off.
However, Selingo gives only cursory mention to the Common Data Set, which I believe is one of the most informative tools families can access. Understanding a university’s admissions criteria and student outcomes provides critical context that can influence decisions far more effectively than the glossy marketing materials families often encounter.
In conclusion, Who Gets In and Why will appeal to those curious about the mechanisms of college admissions, especially if they are willing to sift through the journalistic narrative for concrete insights. While I found certain themes resonated with my professional experience, I also felt that Selingo might have ventured deeper into critical issues, such as the importance of understanding a school’s financial health and the implications of applying early decision—a nuance often overlooked by eager families.
Ultimately, this book serves as a conversational entry point into the college admissions journey, especially for first-time applicants. For anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of this complex process, Selingo’s exploration opens doors to deeper conversations and reflections on the choices ahead. My hope is that prospective students and their parents walk away with a clearer sense of direction—and perhaps a sprinkle of skepticism regarding the “offers” that flood their mailboxes.
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