What the Closure of California College of the Arts and Vanderbilt Expansion Mean for the Bay Area

In 'Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions,' Jeffrey Selingo provides an insightful look into the college admissions process. Embedded in three different admissions offices—a selective private university, a leading liberal arts college, and a flagship public campus—Selingo observed the often agonizing and sometimes life-changing decisions made by admissions officers. He followed select students and their parents, and met with high school counselors, marketers, and other key figures in the admissions process. The book reveals that admissions decisions are frequently more about the college’s agenda than the applicant’s merit, considering factors like diversity, financial considerations, and the likelihood of enrollment. Selingo offers practical advice for students and parents, encouraging them to broaden their notion of what constitutes a 'good college'.