Looking Beyond the Ivy League:
Finding the College That's Right for You

(Penguin USA, 1996) by Loren Pope, Director of the College Placement Bureau and former education editor for the New York Times

Myth One: An Ivy League college will absolutely guarantee the rich, full, and successful life.

Myth Two: If you can't make an Ivy, a "prestige college" is next best, because the name on your diploma will determine whether you do something worthwhile in life.

Myth Three: Eastern institutions are the best and most desirable.

Myth Four: The big university offers a broader, richer undergraduate experience.

Myth Five: A college you've heard about is better than one you haven't.

Myth Six: What your friends say about a college is a good indicator.

Myth Seven: The college catalog can help you decide if this is the school for you.

Myth Eight: You should make your college selection early in your senior year, before Christmas if at all possible.

Myth Nine: Your college should be bigger than your high school.

Myth Ten: Going more than 200 miles away from home will cost more and may result in isolation.

Myth Eleven: If you're in the top 10 percent of your class with SATs of 1300 or better, you belong in an Ivy or prestige college.

Myth Twelve: Ivy League schools are looking for students who don't have excellent grades.

Myth Thirteen: SAT scores are the most important thing; good ones will get you in and poor ones will keep you out.

Myth Fourteen: A coaching course will improve your SAT scores.

Myth Fifteen: A bad recommendation from a teacher or counselor will ruin your chances.

Myth Sixteen: Your choice of major will decide your career path, so the quality of the department should govern your choice of college.

Myth Seventeen: A high school diploma is needed to get into college.

Myth Eighteen: Going to a private prep school will enhance your chances of getting into a good college.

Myth Nineteen: Millions of dollars in unused scholarships are going begging every year.

Myth Twenty: A good college is hard to get into.

For a full explication of each point, you'll have to read this book.

McDaniel College: A College That Changes Lives

Barnes & Noble

Colleges That Change Lives Web Site