Rock Hard Apps: How to Write a Killer College Application

Books are great and this one was written by a professional who knows what she is taliking about. However, you should also consider all your resources, including guidance counselors, online resources (www.howtogetin.com), college websites, campus tours, test prep services. There are so many aspects to improving your chances of getting into college that it can be overwhelming.

I read about five books like this in the summer before my son started 12th grade so I could get some insight into what it takes to get into top colleges and I would be prepared to help him with the process. They all had some good information, but "Rock Hard Apps" was far and away THE BEST ONE! They take you completely through three different students credentials and tell what was good and what was bad about each one. They actually list the students GPA, courses they took, SAT scores, AP scores, their application essays, and teacher and counselor recommendations and take you step-by-step through each. When I read the first student's college app essay, I thought it was really good. But then when I read the notes by the author about what was wrong with it, I started to understand the difference. The only thing is I WISH I HAD READ THIS BOOK SOONER. Parents and Students should read this book right away! Even BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL, if possible. I had my son read some parts of it and he decided to take AP Chem and AP Calc BC in his senior year. He wouldn't even consider it before reading this book. It's only March as I write this, but he has already been accepted to 11 of the 18 schools he applied to (no rejections yet). Some of the schools he's been accepted to so far are Georgetown, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, Williams College, Duke, and Univ of Miami. Though we don't know for sure, it may have something to do with him taking a rigorous course load in his senior year. This book really motivated him! And, gave me a lot of insight into what College Admissions Officers are looking for when they read your child's application.

Good information and advice for students who want to get into selective colleges. Really shows the how-to of what we should not do; as well as what we should say on our applications. Rock Hard Apps...rocks!+++

This is a letter I felt compelled to write to the author after reading her two fabulous, highly informative books. The Truth About Getting In and Rock Hard Apps give you the edge you need to succeed as a prospective college student. Hi Katherine. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for writing two terrific books. I recently purchased your book, The Truth About Getting In, and found it so engaging that I had to pick up Rock Hard Apps as well. I am strongly considering applying early to Princeton and your books gave me added confidence. In fact, I just completed my "brag sheet." I am an only child, so my family does not have much experience with the college admissions process. Before reading your books, the process seemed overwhelming and daunting, but now, I know exactly what I have to do to put my best foot forward and distinguish myself from other applicants. It may sound corny, but the admissions process and formulation of my application now seem more like an adventure. As I was reading your books, I felt as if I were sitting right next to you receiving a private consultation. While writing this email, I feel more as if I'm writing to a close friend than an accomplished college counselor. If you have the ability to make such a profound impact through your words, I can only imagine the impact you have on your students. When I put your books down, I actually felt like I had gained an inside look into the college admissions process. You do not lie. You truly reveal the "truth about getting in." All other college books I've read seem superficial compared to yours. I will take what you have taught me and do my best to apply it to my Princeton application as I work on completing it this summer. Once again, thank you. I hope I will be able to attain success in my endeavors with your wisdom behind me. I will keep you posted!

Katherine Cohen's practical and positive advice permeates this book. Not only will you recognize parts of your child in the three students she profiles in the book, but you will know how to help your son or daughter strengthen each college application to assure that his/her strong voice resonates throughout. She reminds us that colleges are looking for passionate young men and women, not automatons, and gives specific recommendations on how to express that in the written application and in the interview. The college admissions environment has changed dramatically since we parents were applying to college! Every page in Rock Hard Apps contains interesting facts and pragmatic strategies that are relevant NOW. Even if your child is not considering Ivy League colleges, the suggestions in this book will help him/her submit a strong college application.