My latest read, “Valedictorians at the Gate”, is a fast and often funny read written by a former Ivy League admissions officer. Becky Munsterer Sabky’s voice is honest and genuine. I could tell that she truly cares about teens and understands the complexities of the high school experience in the U.S.
I enjoyed Sabky’s tips on making the most of college visits (“roam the halls of a preferred academic department”), choosing extracurriculars (“extracurricular interests matter because they shape a person, not because they strengthen a resume”), and writing personal statements (“write an essay only you can write”). I wish every teacher could read her tips on how to write impactful and memorable letters of recommendation.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes as it deftly explains the concept of “institutional priorities” that so many families struggle with:
“You can't control what goes on inside the admissions office. Priorities change year to year, and even within the same admissions cycle. Admissions representatives are trying to build a cohort to complement the existing classes already in place. It's impossible to guess what that looks like from year to year.”
If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the work of college admissions officers at highly competitive institutions, relatable and sometimes touching anecdotes about the admissions process, and insight into Dartmouth specifically, I recommend diving into this one.
