Follow your interests to find the right college

Gr 9 Up-Prospective college students will find a thoughtful approach to navigating the vast array of choices in higher education. Part 1 is a start-to-finish read, as it describes the general characteristics of different schools, as well as their academic offerings and student experiences. The comparisons are engaging and detailed. For instance, readers learn that liberal arts colleges tend to have extensive career counseling, health services, and tutoring for those with learning disabilities. Military academies provide a holistic education in that they stress academics, physical fitness, character, and leadership, but they are extremely competitive and require a service obligation. Equal attention is given to categories of schools that have an identity steeped in tradition, such as Howard or Tuskegee among historically black colleges and universities, or are faith-based (e.g., Villanova and Marquette, which are known for their Jesuit foundation). Other sections focus on tech colleges, study abroad programs, and Canadian and European colleges (which typically focus more on academics than student experience). Sidebars about notable alums, costs, admissions info, and tiered school rankings are enlightening. Part 2 points students to schools they'll be best suited to, depending on their interest in various topics (art and architecture, business, international relations, communications, study abroad, music, environmental studies, and health). There is no general index, and readers are guided to a descriptive table of contents. There is valuable coverage of small colleges that excel in offbeat areas such as culinary, aviation, turf management, hospitality, and more. Appendixes offer tips on admissions, financial aid, transferring, and concerns for homeschooled students to consider. VERDICT A refreshing and substantive guide for college-bound high school students and their parents, with information that online interest inventories and popular guides may leave out.-Vicki Reutter, State University of New York at Cortland © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.