The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College

Rating:
Summary: great resource for high school parents
Review: A terrific book -- on many levels. It is, first, a series of excellent suspense stories, with vivid characterizations of the students seeking admission to Wesleyan. The author found some fascinating students to follow, with the result that the reader really cares what happens to them. Even more important -- especially to someone about to embark on the college hunt -- he provides an invaluable insight into how the admissions process works. The admissions game, I now realize thanks to this splendid tale, is a crazy-quilt mixture: at Wesleyan, at least, the process focuses on the individual, quirks and all, far more than I imagined. At the same time, the process comes off as frighteningly random -- with so much depending on which admissions officer reads the application, and what that person focuses on in the few minutes available. The book is also a vivid reminder that admissions officers are people, too -- people of infinite variety.
So it was a pleasure to read -- and it will also prove immensely useful to parents. One common theme kept repeating: take the hard courses, even if it means lower grades. Another: having a passion is a real plus, but the rest of the record can't be a disaster. But those are just the beginning.

Rating:
Summary: The god's do play dice with the universe
Review: About a week ago my English Teacher suggested us to purchase this book and read. She has been prepping us for the College process ever since September, and figured that the book would be a great way for us to understand what kind of thought that will be put into are applications. At first I was not excited about the book because I thought it would be dry and boring, but after reading the first couple pages, I could not put it down. Not only was the information very helpful, but the author really knows how to write a book, and he keeps you interested. I litterally could not wait to know what happens to the students protrayed in the book.

On the bad side though it did scare me a little, because I realized that different students are put on different pedistals. It really goes to show you that school are look for diversity and they will take some pretty major steps to get it (for example a minority student that attends a Prep School with a 3.2 GPA and a 1150 on the S.A.T.'s got excepted with a full ride with a non-minority student at the same prep school with a 3.9 GPA and a 1350 SAT did not).

The Other complant about the book is that it describes the admissions mostly for IVY or IVY-like schools (NOT STATE SCHOOLS), which for the first hundred pages make for confusing calculations (like when they say they like to see scores higher than 1350, for a state school that means 1000).

But all in all I am glad that I picked up the book and started to read, it was one in a long time that I could not put down, and one that I am happy that I have to put on my ever growing book shelf (Thanks Mrs. H!).

Rating:
Summary: You'll enjoy THE GATEKEEPERS.
Review: As I sit down to write this review, schools around the country are starting another academic year. For parents, this time of year may signal a reminder that time passes far too quickly, even if they are glad to send the little ones off. Parents of high school seniors may experience this pang a little more acutely since their children are just about ready to step off into adulthood. The seniors themselves are probably looking forward to being the top dogs, maybe finally playing on varsity, getting ready for the senior prom, and, of course, the college application process. While it's certainly not a how-to book by any means, both parents and students would do well to read THE GATEKEEPERS: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College by Jacques Steinberg, for it provides a fascinating and in-depth look at how one college selects its freshman class.

Steinberg, an education reporter for the New York Times, spent an entire year with Ralph Figueroa, a senior admissions officer for prestigious Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. His reports initially appeared in the Times. Considered by many to be just a slight notch below the Ivy League, Wesleyan offered Steinberg complete and unfettered access to every step of the admissions process. Steinberg followed Figueroa through recruitment meetings with prospective students, the arduous application reading process, two rounds of admittance decisions, and eventually the wooing of admitted students. I attended a large midwestern university, which, at the time, offered admission to all graduates of any accredited in-state high school. Being an out-of-state student, I was held to a slightly higher standard. I believe I had to demonstrate my ability to walk and chew gum at the same time. So, I really had no idea of the extent of agony and debate that takes place in the admissions offices of these highly selective schools. Steinberg invokes empathy for both the admissions officers and the students.

Steinberg masterfully creates a sense of community by closely following six high school seniors from application through matriculation. He is at his best when describing these students, all from widely disparate backgrounds. Surprisingly, no names have been changed. Steinberg reports their names, scores, hopes, and dreams with complete frankness.

With permission, Steinberg describes students like Becca Janol, an outstanding leader whose adolescent flirtation with a marijuana laced brownie creates a nightmare for Ralph Figueroa and the admissions committee. He also follows, among others, brilliant, biracial Julianna Bentes, who scored a perfect 1600 on her SAT, and Jordan Goldman, a cocky aspiring writer. As you might imagine, the students agonize over their decisions, especially those who are, at least initially, rejected. We must remember that these kids are the cream of the crop. All of the students are exceedingly bright and most have ultra-supportive parents. I found it difficult to cry too many tears over someone who "only" got into 4 selective colleges and eventually ends up in the Ivy League. Some of the students draw this conclusion themselves, and it is refreshing to see the maturity with which they address their youthful shortcomings.

Steinberg is at his best when describing the process and the students. At times, he gets bogged down in numbers. I felt I was drowning in a sea of SAT scores and ratings. Likewise, Steinberg spends too much time detailing the background of Ralph Figueroa. While relevant, it certainly could have been edited more tightly. The main message that Steinberg drives home is that there is no magic password, no formula of X test scores times Y grade point average plus Z extracurriculars that will guarantee admission. It is an imperfect, human process, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your view. Steinberg treads lightly on the issue of race, clearly elucidating Wesleyan's affirmative action policies, however controversial they will seem to some. He forces the reader to address their own views as well, since Wesleyan believes they are obliged not just to admit the best students, but to find students that will fit best with their open (some might say too open) atmosphere.

Even if you're not a parent of a pre-frosh, to use Wesleyan's term, you'll still enjoy THE GATEKEEPERS. It provides a glimpse into the lives of some interesting, high-powered kids. It's a fascinating peek behind the curtain into a process that is sometimes unfair, sometimes fatiguing, but always compelling.

--- Reviewed by Shannon Bloomstran ([e-mail])


Rating:
Summary: untangling the ivy
Review: First off, I'd better admit that as someone who attended a mediocre public high school, and received virtually no help from its staff in my college application process, some of these stories left a bitter taste in my mouth (even after 10 years). Yes, I was slightly jealous; even though half these kids were minorities, almost all attended schools that were outstanding and supportive. Nor did I, like one boy, have a celebrity endorsement from a famous author, nor was I told to start my essays my junior year, nor did my guidance counselor cozy up to the staff of the schools I applied to. Yet, I was accepted where I applied anyway. But standards are higher now, and I wonder if things would still be the same should I apply today.

I found this book very intriguing and well-written, a "page turner" as one reviewer mentioned. I admired the subjects who allowed the author to interview them without even using pseudonyms. That's pretty brave, especially when their stories are told warts and all.

I believe the admissions staff of Wesleyan does honestly try to do its job well. Yet, I found myself thinking repeatedly how hypocritical these admissions officers are. They tell seniors not to pin their hopes on just one school, and then focus almost all their energy to snare a few prep school stars while ignoring quite a few who could probably do equally as well, given just a fraction of the encouragement and attention they're lavishing on the stars. I knew a lot of people, myself included, who performed fine in high school but really "hit their stride" in college and were much happier and involved with extracurriculars.

They also tell students not to use gimmicks, but look at what they do to attract students. They greet the overachieving applicant who's almost too good to be true with hugs and red carpet treatment. They get Chelsea Clinton to endorse the school. They inform a new Wesleyan student via e-mail that he is their "absolute favorite" and that they're going to create a fragrance in his name, and even if it's meant in jest, it's still in my mind, absolutely inappropriate.

It's an unenviable job, and certainly I'd probably burn out fast. I'd advise admissions officers not to put all their eggs in one basket when it comes to choosing students for the incoming freshman class. Some of the biggest overachievers are going to make a difference, but some are going to eventually have breakdowns or transfer or drop out. They can woo all they want, but ultimately it's up to the student to figure out how to fit in.

Rating:
Summary: Absoutely Fascinating...
Review: I just finished reading "The Gatekeepers" after it was recommended by other mom in my daughter's senior's class. Since several of the schools my daughter is applying to are mentioned in the book it was definitely a must read for me. However, it is a must read for any parent whose child is applying to a selective college/university.

"The Gatekeepers" is written in a wonderfully thoughtful and fascinating manner that it reads like a novel you just can't put down. The insight it provides into the admissions process is invaluable not only in the useful information it provides but also in the "shot in the dark" aspect to applying to a selective school. I think it may help my daughter and myself to relax a bit during this whole thing since so much of it seems random, especially for white middle class kids with great grades and scores.

My daughter is off right now on college tours with my husband and I keep calling her with advice I've learned from the book--she may start blocking my calls. But if you want to know what goes on, read this book, you won't be sorry you did.

Rating:
Summary: Absoutely Fascinating...
Review: I just finished reading "The Gatekeepers" after it was recommended by other mom in my daughter's senior's class. Since several of the schools my daughter is applying to are mentioned in the book it was definitely a must read for me. However, it is a must read for any parent whose child is applying to a selective college/university.

"The Gatekeepers" is written in a wonderfully thoughtful and fascinating manner that it reads like a novel you just can't put down. The insight it provides into the admissions process is invaluable not only in the useful information it provides but also in the "shot in the dark" aspect to applying to a selective school. I think it may help my daughter and myself to relax a bit during this whole thing since so much of it seems random, especially for white middle class kids with great grades and scores.

My daughter is off right now on college tours with my husband and I keep calling her with advice I've learned from the book--she may start blocking my calls. But if you want to know what goes on, read this book, you won't be sorry you did.

Rating:
Summary: The god's do play dice with the universe
Review: I read this book and had a wide range of emotions. I will start by stating my views tend to be fiscally and politically moderate. So, I had to temper my frustration in reading a book on college admissions written by a writer for the New York Times (a decidedly liberal newspaper)and of a quite liberal East Coast University, Wesleyan. The choice of school and admission officer to shadow express a liberal bias that may not entirely reflect the view of all top Universities, but is probably true to the nature of Affirmative Action nation wide. Mr. Figueroa, the Admissions Officer, deserves accolades for the passion he expresses in his responsibilities.

That said, my analysis must be dispassionate since my oldest child is currently looking at colleges. So here it is:

1. The Wesleyan pie is first divided this way, 30% African, Latino and Asian students. Many deserve admission, without question, no matter who you measure them against. These are the HP (high priority) minority students. Others are in the generally acceptable population range according to averages, courses taken, class rank, activities, leadership etc.. Some are at risk students, as are some in the other applicant cohorts. True, these students may be cut a little slack but, remember they still must pass courses to matriculate at the university. The U.S. News and World Report is watching and will note the number of non matriculating students. They will also note the number of students who are accepted and decide to go elsewhere. And so the games begin!

2. Foreign students are given 3% of the pie. Diversity by ethnicity and country raised in and state of origin produce robustness. The rules for foreign students are very similar I suppose although the book does not go into great detail.

3. 67% is carved out for those with European ancestry. My only beef here is that there are significant cultural diversity distinctions even amongst Europeans! We are not all rolled out of the same batch of flour or using the same cookie cutter, so to speak. But, alas I digress.

Of this group an expectation of SAT = 1340 or so is expected. This is the benchmark. Quality points are given for challenging AP courses as compared to your peers. The harder the competition at your High School and the more people apply to the same university the lower the probability you have to be picked over your classmates. Unless, of course, you are the one to apply early decision and have all the goods. Subjectivity always is a confounding variable. A wonderful essay read by an Admissions Officer at 3am on Saturday may work as well as the car built by the worst crew on the last Friday of the quota month. But chance does favor the prepared mind so make your essay special for you.

Activities count, clubs, organizations, etc., but being an officer or say President of the Student body counts more for showing Leadership. Life experiences expressed in a well written essay could tip the scale, as well.

Sports are important if you are "the one" who is needed for the team, but usually not without the other components mentioned. A much needed Oboist should get the nod, sometimes even if some deficiencies need to be overlooked.

Diversity by domestic geographic origin also is a consideration. Schools want to recruit and report diversity from all 50 states. Obviously, East coast schools will attract more people from the east and therefore you compete with other east coast students for a subset of the seats to a greater degree than you think!

So, keep the grades up, take the most challenging curriculum, be a leader in school organizations, express yourself in your essays, note any ethnicity that is accurate and listed (or not listed), take an SAT prep course, grind through old SAT exams, know the TEST and how to take it. Take it twice unless you have exceeded the requirements of the schools to which you have applied or you dialed 800 verbal and 800 math. Check out the requirements for financial aid, this sometimes requires persistence. Make a list of schools prioritize them as, dream schools, desirable schools and safe schools. Visit as many schools as possible to be sure they are a good fit for your academic major, that you like the culture of the school, the feel of the campus and that the location makes it easy to get home to see the family...

Roll the dice! Then it all becomes the mathematics of probabilities. Good luck! Remember, the harder you work the luckier you get! And you may find yourself thinking the refrain from an old song which stated in self proclamation, "My future's so bright I gotta wear shades!"

Rating:
Summary: One Word? - Disappointing
Review: One word to sum-up The Gatekeepers? Disappointing....

Disappointing because:

1) the author's viewpoint is decidedly "East Coast" with a larger than life view of Eastern seaboard schools with scant appreciation for any institutions of higher learning beyond the Allegheny's, other than Stanford. The reputations of the holy trinity, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, are undeniable, but the author's view of American College education seems to be confined to a very few hundred square miles.

2) the author would use the lives of persons of honor vicariously to further his own career. The nobility, kindness, and charity which unfolded in the lives of Figueroa, Goldman, et al., is more a testament to the character of man than the author's ability to tell the admissions story at a "premier college."

3) the story reads like a prospectus for Wesleyan University (notably, in the first half). In the author's school boy-ish tone, he gushes about the achievements of the college well beyond what one would hope for in an unbiased investigation by a New York Times reporter.

The tender lives of the student applicants involved in their search for the perfect college will wrench anyone's heart. Give it a try, but don't be surprised if you're disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Very informative
Review: This book gives a valuable insight into the workings of at least one of the admissions offices of a selective university, Wesleyan. Mr Steinberg has done a great job of introducing us to a variety of candidates ranging from "shoe-in" to "marginal" and giving us enough of their life stories so that we can understand the intangibles that the admissions committees grapple with. To me, the most valuable part of the book was understanding how the committee dealt with candidates that were on the margins.

For those on the margins, the book makes clear that the factors that cause one candidate to be selected over another can depend largely on fate, and the particular background and prejudices of the admissions officers. For example, the new Dean of Admissions was a sport lover and had a desire to improve Wesleyan's competitiveness. So, for several years, students with athletic skills had an advantage. At another point, one admissions officer noted that a feeder high school was resentful that the previous year few candidates from the school had been accepted to Wesleyan. In order to make sure that students from this prestigious high school didn't give up on Wesleyan, more students were selected the next year. In another case, a student who impressed a recruiter with his in-depth knowledge of movie directors and who had a life story that appealed to the recruiter's agenda got special consideration. There were several instances of students with an exceptional talent but marginal or even poor SAT's being accepted, especially if the talent was one needed by the university.

I was not naive enough to think that merit was the only factor in selection to a top level university, but I was a little stunned to discover just how much of a role fate and the backgrounds, agendas and prejudices of admissions officers played in the final outcome.

I commend Wesleyan for allowing Mr Steinberg access to the selection process, and I commend Mr. Steinberg for writing such a useful and interesting book.


Rating:
Summary: fair read
Review: This is quick two day read for those who have some spare time on their hands. It does not prompt any changes in thinking or raise any critical questions but serves as a straightforward but in-depth view into the subjective world of college admissions.

No book should ever serve as the sole reasoning behind college decisions but only as a complement to logical thinking, supportive parents, and a well-advised high school counselor. But if you find yourself in the crazy world of college admissions and want to read something helpful about the admission process, then pick this up - but don't expect too much.