Applying to College: A Planning Guide for Students

If it wasn't for this book, I would be working in Starbucks, or worse, Texaco. "Applying to College: A Planning Guide" by Casey Watts lays it out clearly and ingeniously for someone planning to attend college. My parents didn't even have to intervene. I did it all by myself. Applying to UPenn couldn't have been easier, and I got in! There should be more useful books like this out there. Casey Watts should write another book on "How to get your Boss' job" or "Becoming a US President". More books like that would make a difference in this country. I highly recommend this book for anyone planning to apply to college or any other institution of higher education. She knows what she's talking about, and she knows it well.

After leaving the armed services, I did not plan on attending college. In fact, I never intended to go to college. The process seemed daunting. And, after what I had seen in my life through various tours in the Marines, I could not fathom how book-learning and course-work could be relevant to my life. Truth be told . . . I was scared. Applying to college required organizational skills I simply did not have. So, rather than pursuing this challenge, I preferred to think of it as a non-option, a waste of time. Nonetheless, I found myself coaxing my friends to send away for brochures and applications. I experienced college vicariously through the smiles and comaraderie depicted in the pages of Beaver College, State University of Alabama, and Boomerton College. It was exciting and I got hooked. Hooked with no where to go. No plan for how to tackle the task of a college application. No plan for how to make my dream a reality. That's where Ms. Watts' book stepped in. A clerk at the local bookshop pointed me in the direction of books geared towards helping people like myself tackle the application process. He offered no recommendations, but Casey Watts' book caught my eye. A quick skim revealed this book to be a treasure trove of knowledge, a compendium of wisdom. Casey Watts is to the planning and organization industry what Martha Stewart is to home decorations and gourmet cooking . . . though, from what I know, Casey has never been, and hopefully never will be, incarcerated. If the doors to opportunity ever seemed closed to you in your life, turn to Ms. Watts. She has the key.

I wish I'd read this book before applying to college. My whole life might have turned out differently.

Applying to college requires more than just filling out forms and sending in applications. It also requires you to purchase books--books like this one. Written by an astute author, who is accomplished at both applying and being accepted to college, this book will guide you through the perils of college applications. In every sense of the word, this is an informational book (or "paperback"). Smell that new-book smell when you open it, and then read about college applications like you've never read before!

When my little sister was applying for college, I gave her this book. I certainly wish I had it when I did my college applications. Not only was the book informative, helpful, and easy to read, it was also fun and interesting. Casey Watts is a masterful writer, and the book reflects her witty and wise style. I would recommend buying it for anyone who is applying to college or knows someone who is!