cover image U.S. News Ultimate College Directory

U.S. News Ultimate College Directory

Brian Kelly, Anne McGrath, Robert J. Morse. Sourcebooks, $29.95 (1400pp) ISBN 978-1-4022-0212-4

Privileging cold hard facts over editorial commentary, this businesslike guide to more than 1,400 American colleges is a bit daunting. Each entry bombards would-be students with information on average SAT scores of entering students, application deadlines, popular majors, tuition, sports programs and housing options. Although the bulk of the book comprises the listings (which are organized by state), a hefty beginning section offers articles on how to choose a school, what colleges look for in applicants and how to assemble a""killer application,"" along with worksheets and organizers. It's here that quirky--and helpful--information abounds, such as a list of schools that don't require SAT or ACT scores, and a selection of tips for homeschoolers. The rest of this hulking volume concerns itself with minutiae, such as the number of volumes a library has or how many clubs and organizations exist at a college.