Book excerpt: PRESENTING YOURSELF SUCCESSFULLY TO COLLEGES HOW TO MARKET YOUR STRENGTHS AND MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT LEARN WHAT ADMISSIONS OFFICERS LOOK FOR IN YOUR ESSAYS AND APPLICATIONS In recent years, as the number of applications to top colleges has risen dramatically and fewer schools have been able to grant personal interviews to most applicants, the written application has become one of the most important factors for admissions committees. Marketing yourself successfully to schools -- making yourself stand out from the thousands of high school seniors applying to college -- is no easy task, but with the help of this straightforward, easy-to-follow guide you will make the most of your personal application. You will learn what kinds of essays have been successful and why and see how to write a unique personal statement that reflects your strengths. With checklists, writing samples, and advice on how to get great recommendations, Presenting Yourself Successfully to Colleges will give you all the tools you need to make your application stand out. Howard and Matthew Greene will explain how to: Assess your strengths and unique characteristics Assemble your application Write an outstanding personal essay that represents you well Create a strong resume Ask for recommendations Make yourself known to colleges Maintain ongoing communication with colleges