The Greenes have written numerous college guides. I have read a couple of them. And, based on my firsthand experience they are excellent. They typically address a specific topic. Thus, they avoid or go beyond the bland generalities conveyed by other not so good college guides.
In this book, the Greenes focus on what they call the Hidden Ivies, or 30 schools that they consider meet the educational standards of the actual Ivies. These are mainly top-notch small liberal arts colleges often located on the East Coast. Within this list of 30 schools there are not any surprises. These are very well established renowned institutions, which are often nearly as selective as the Ivy League themselves. In other words, the Hidden Ivies are not so hidden. Indeed, try getting in Amherst, Claremont McKenna, Pomona, or Middlebury. If you can, one could argue you may as well apply to Yale, Princeton, and Harvard.
The Greenes make a good case that the Hidden Ivies offer a superior education that even the actual Ivies can't match. This superior education is a liberal arts curriculum offered on small residential campuses where the institution is often dedicated solely to undergraduate students. This is in contrast to the more prestigious Ivies where a significant amount of resources is diverted towards graduate programs and research. The Greenes further advance their case by sharing the superior record that some of the smaller Hidden Ivies have in the % of their graduates they send on to complete PhDs.
This book is filled with very useful information, including: a) main tips for parents with a child going through the admission process at a Hidden Ivy, b) tips for students, c) tips on what it takes to get in, and d) indication for parents that the actual college choice was a success.
Also, the 30 school profiles are very extensive. Each school is described in detail over 6 pages. It is the result of an extensive survey of the faculty, the administration, and the students. You get many direct quotes from students on how they like (or not) various aspects of their respective schools. By reading these school profiles you will get an excellent idea if a specific school is the right fit for you (or your child). And, for the Greenes, the proper school fit between student and college is far more important than the actual name recognition of the college. In other words, a happy and successful student at Emory will have a far better start in his academic and professional life than his counterpart who may feel isolated and over pressured at Princeton. Thus, the proper match is the key.
The authors style is very lively and makes this book easy to read. If you are considering one of these schools, this book is a must read.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
No customer reviews
Review this product
Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon.com
Amazon.com:
10 reviews
Abacus
Best info on this specific subject.
2 January 2004 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
Eliahu Gordon
very outdated
26 July 2013 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
chrispark
A Key Parent Primer Before Your Child Starts the College Process
17 March 2009 -
Published on Amazon.com
4kidsMommee
Keep your options open, but don't bash the Ivies
16 June 2003 -
Published on Amazon.com