Lisa Birnbach's New and Improved College Book

When going through the tumultous college application process a few years ago, my prep school roommate and I found a copy of this book. Although it's now eighteen years old, it's still alarmingly accurate and relevant.Don't be put off by Ms. Birnbach's "Put-Out Chart" or the listings of most popular drugs on campus. The book, though at times offensive to some, gives irreverent and spot-on portrayals of every campus.Take one entry, for example. "It's not always going to be easy finding a parking space for your Mercedes at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Located in the swanky Highland Park district, the feeling is country club, not the United Methodist Church." (As any SMU student will tell you, this description is dead-on accurate.)As far as the "New and Improved College Book," it's indeed new, but not improved. It lacks the charm and wit of the first College Book and seems geared more toward alumni and staff than prospective students.If you're looking for the real deal in college guide books, Lisa Birnbach's College Book should be your number-one choice.

A very unique guide. This is the only college guide I found that covers moral situations on different campuses.There are several good points about this book. It is not filled with statistics. It has several good student-voted ratings like "Institution's interest in students", "Student's academic interest", etc.One complaint I have is that it does not indicate how it choose the colleges in this book.

This book is great for the snior looking at colleges. Barrons only list what the school offers for size, location, and curriculum. Birnbach's book gives an in-depth view of the college, examining everything from popular classes and professors to favorite local hang-outs. It allows you to take a small walk around campus before even leaving town. I think it is a great aid for anyone seriously looking to attend college.