Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey J. Selingo

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the college admissions process? Well, you're not alone. This is the exact question that Jeffrey Selingo, author of Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, sought to answer in his book.

In his work, Selingo immersed himself in the world of college admissions to gain a better understanding of how and why colleges decide who they accept and reject. He spent an entire year interviewing admissions officers, college presidents, high school guidance counselors, parents, and students all over the country, giving readers an insider's look into the process.

The main takeaway from Selingo's research is that an applicant's past performance​—​their GPA and test scores, their extracurricular activities, and the strength of their recommendations​—​are the most important elements in determining acceptance. However, that does not mean that admissions officers consider every element to be equal. The truth is that some factors (such as special talents or important connections) carry more weight than others, such as race or socioeconomic background.

In addition to the personal components of an application, Selingo also explains the various strategies that admissions offices use to shape their incoming classes. He highlights the role of the Common Application, which has become the de facto platform for colleges and universities to solicit and review applications. He talks about the popular methods that colleges employ to get an edge on the competition, such as yield protection and demographic packaging.

Ultimately, Selingo argues that while the college admissions process can often feel like a game of chance, there are certain measures that students can take to maximize their chances of getting in. Central to this strategy is the emphasis on telling one’s own story: to be genuine and authentic in their essays, to advertise the extracurriculars in which they’re genuinely interested, to set themselves apart from the competition, and to make sure admissions officers know that they are a great fit for the school they’re applying to.

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions is an informative and eye-opening look into the complicated world of college admissions. Through his research and interviews, Selingo is able to provide an enlightening perspective on an often-overlooked and misunderstood process. His work is sure to provide guidance to any student who is in the midst of filling out college applications.