This reference focuses on how to write the scholarship application essay that will get you into one of the branches of the University of California. Not quite as easily accessible as other guides by the Tanabes, this is very definitely aimed at a different audience. The book begins with a chapter called “25 Essay Mistakes that Guarantee Failure,” followed by a question and answer chapter that has UC admissions officers responding to questions. The next 15 or so chapters include essays about different topics, such as literature, family, challenges, and more. Each essay is followed by an analysis which offers an excellent critique and pointers on what to do and not do. The last two chapters are full of advice on topics and writing from University of California students. Traditionally, there have not been many students in my building applying to UC schools, but the lessons in this guide should apply to any four year university.

As other the books written by the Tanabes about how to get into college or earn scholarships, How to Pay for College offers excellent, practical advice on how to manage the cost of a college education. Each chapter begins with an list of what will be covered, making it easy to refer to specific information as needed.  Chapters cover topics such as the various types of financial aid available, how to apply for financial aid, how to save for college, and more. There are sample forms and bright ideas, key concepts and money saving tips in sidebars. One of the most useful items in the book is “Straight Talk from Financial Aid Administrators.” Throughout the book there are entries from these administrators on specific topics. Some of them seem self-serving, “Running a college is not cheap,” or “Believe it or not, colleges only raise tuition as a last resort.” But most are practical, ” Rule No. 1: Apply on time,” and “Keep us in tune with changes.”  Good resource for high school students preparing to go to college.

This reference on how to get scholarships for college is easily accessible and a guide any graduating senior should be able to read and follow. The book includes chapters like “Find the Best Scholarships You Can Win, Avoid Scholarship Scams, Create Stunning Scholarship Applications, Secrets to Writing Winning Essays,” and more. Each chapter begins with a page that list what you will learn in that chapter. There are lists that have boldface subtitles, sidebars, clipart – lots that will make this book not appear too intimidating to teens. I particularly like the section in Chapter 2 “Find the Best Scholarships You Can Win” that advises student how to choose the right scholarship for them, such as heeding the words of the sponsors and being realistic about how good you are. This practical guide is a book I wish more seniors would read.

This reference focuses on how to write the best possible scholarship application for college and is another easily accessible guide by the Tanabes that any graduating senior should be able to read and follow. The book includes chapters about essays that bombed, sample winning essays, interview strategies and more. Each chapter begins with a page that list what you will learn in that chapter. There are lists that have boldface subtitles, sidebars, clipart – lots that will make this book not appear too intimidating to teens. I particularly like chapter that is a judges’ roundtable, where judges and sponsors answer questions. This practical guide is a book I wish more seniors would read.

Tanabe, Gen and Kelly
SuperCollege, LLC, 2012

This reference focuses on how to write the scholarship application essay that will get you into an Ivy League college. Not quite as easily accessible as other guides by the Tanabes, this is very definitely aimed at a different audience. The book begins with a chapter called “25 Essay Mistakes that Guarantee Failure,” followed by a question and answer chapter that has Ivy League admissions officers responding to questions. The next 15 or so chapters include essays about different topics, such as literature, family, challenges, and more. Each essay is followed by an analysis which offers an excellent critique and pointers on what to do and not do. The last two chapters are full of advice on topics and writing from Ivy League students. I don’t think there will be many students in my building applying to Ivy League schools, but the lessons in this guide should apply to any four year university.