An exposae of the Varsity Blues scandal reveals how an unscrupulous college counselor named Rick Singer preyed on the desperation of wealthy, upper class, insecure parents who sought to have their children admitted to elite colleges to maintain their ownsocial status.

"A guide to crafting a meaningful and polished college admissions essay that expresses the applicant's unique personality, strengths, and goals; step-by-step instructions lead students from idea to initial draft, through revisions, and to a final version ready for submission"--Provided by publisher.

For all the anxiety that surrounds the college admissions process, one part of the application lies completely within a student's control: the essay. In this book, Rachel Toor writing instructor and coach at all levels from high school to senior faculty, and former admissions officer at Duke University shows that the key to writing a successful application essay is learning to present an honest portrait of yourself.