Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo

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When friend and family tell me that their student is applying to college soon and ask my thoughts my answer is, “The game has changed since you went to school. “ Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo is the book you need if you are applying to college. The book is written for parents and students and will teach you how to play the new game especially if you applied using an erasable pen like I did.

The author uses many current statistics, talks about what is important to look for in a school, and helps you figure out what will be a good fit for you in a college. I appreciated that he discussed cost and that he used many helpful examples to explain how to set a budget. The author shares a list of what he terms the “new” dream schools that are both accessible and excellent.

This is a great book if you are just starting your college journey, in the middle, or trying to end strong. I recommend.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

Blurb:Attending college has long been a rite of passage for millions of teens and a bedrock of the American dream. But that well-worn path has lately taken a wrong turn, denying admission even to super-achievers and putting intolerable stress on family finances. Now, in Dream School Jeffrey Selingo shifts the spotlight from how colleges pick students to how students can better pick colleges.

With test-optional policies and grade inflation leveling the playing field for applicants, getting into prestigious schools has become a kind of lottery. “Plan A” may work out, but increasingly it isn’t—so Selingo urges families to ditch the “Top 25 or bust” mindset and look beyond the usual suspects. Hidden-gem schools with incredible value and rich opportunities are waiting to be discovered. Backed by unparalleled research—and an eye-opening survey of 3,500 parents—Dream School reveals what really matters in a strong job prospects after graduation, hands-on learning experiences, and a sense of belonging. To help students find their perfect match, Selingo highlights 75 accessible and affordable colleges that will satisfy those priorities.

Organized into three easy-to-digest sections, Dream School explains why elite college degrees turn out to matter less than you think, why many parents and students are choosing value over prestige, and how to make sure the degree really pays off. In these pages, Selingo’s engaging style and expert insights turn what is often an unnavigable maze into a clear roadmap.

Destined to become the ultimate guide for families crossing the perilous college admissions landscape, Dream School isn’t just a book—it’s a lifeline for those who can find themselves trapped in an overwhelming process.