Has anyone read "Crazy U" by Andrew Ferguson?

[Anonymous]

This is one of the most hilarious, spot-on accounts of the whole (ridiculous) college admissions process I've ever read. Are there any other book recommendations for those of us starting the application process this year? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is one of the most hilarious, spot-on accounts of the whole (ridiculous) college admissions process I've ever read. Are there any other book recommendations for those of us starting the application process this year? Thanks!

Read it! The books really is hilarous...and a must read. If anyone on this board is crazy enough to be prusuing those "Ivies"...then you need to read "The Price of Admission" by Daniel Golden. It reveals just how fruitless your pursit is likely to be. For the more serious folks pursing admission, read College Admission by Robin Mamelt. Its a fantastic book that lays out the college admission process. READ IT!

[Anonymous]

Haha! Yes, I've read it. If you didn't already know, he's a local journalist from Virginia and BSU (Big State University) which his kid was applying to is actually UVA.

There are some other good books, by local writers in fact, but they aren't as hilarious and that wasn't really their intent. Try Price of Admission by Daniel Goldin for a pretty fast-paced look at who colleges accept and why. If you're one of those people who think the Ivies and Duke are for rich kids and legacies, this won't disabuse you of that notion.

[Anonymous]

It is very funny!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haha! Yes, I've read it. If you didn't already know, he's a local journalist from Virginia and BSU (Big State University) which his kid was applying to is actually UVA.

And does anyone know what high school his son went to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Haha! Yes, I've read it. If you didn't already know, he's a local journalist from Virginia and BSU (Big State University) which his kid was applying to is actually UVA.

And does anyone know what high school his son went to?

A VA public school, I believe. I don't know which one.

[Anonymous]

His son went to The Heights in MD.

[Anonymous]

He was such a typical baby boomer: I don't really care about a prestige college for my DS, but I am going to helicopter it to death and say I didn't. And make a lot of aw shucks jokes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He was such a typical baby boomer: I don't really care about a prestige college for my DS, but I am going to helicopter it to death and say I didn't. And make a lot of aw shucks jokes.

Yes, but he writes really well and the jokes are actually funny. Plus I learned some things.

[Anonymous]

I have to get it. You have intrigued me. Used to work in an admissions office so sounds right up my alley.

[Anonymous]

I thought price of Admission by Daniel Goldin was more eye-opening. And just saw Tina Fey in Admission. They have movies out now about the admissions process at the Ivies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought price of Admission by Daniel Goldin was more eye-opening. And just saw Tina Fey in Admission. They have movies out now about the admissions process at the Ivies.

Agreed. All of these Ivy lovers who post on DCUM really do need to read it. They'll find out just how hopeless their efforts may prove to be.

[Anonymous]

Amusing book, but he unfairly denigrates College Confidential, which is a wonderfully helpful and informative website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Amusing book, but he unfairly denigrates College Confidential, which is a wonderfully helpful and informative website.

I agree that College Confidential is very helpful. But you have to admit, some aspects of it are ripe for a take-down. Especially the Chance Me threads.

[Anonymous]

It was an ok and quick read and actually had some helpful advice in there.