Book excerpt: Today, it may seem like the college admissions process has become more inflated and difficult to navigate than ever before. Many parents have become vocal about the standardized testing and college preparation that begins as early as elementary school. In fact, some families hire advisors to help their children chart a path to the most prestigious schools when they are barely teenagers. This text examines the historical college admissions process and where we are today through the thoughtful analysis of researchers, politicians, officials, and ordinary people in order to show students all sides of this often high-stress topic.