THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503030046
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CARA YANISKO, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
LOOKING FOR a book of tips on how to get into college?
There are plenty out there, unless you're seeking one that takes less time to read than it takes an inch worm to make a cross-country trip.
For those of you who have lost your way in the midst of viewbooks and FAFSA's, and especially for those of you who have never even heard of them, ``The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Into College'' ($14.95, Alpha Books) is a must-have source. Written by O'Neal Turner, a 25-year admissions veteran, the book offers humor and insight on how to survive the mayhem.
``Selecting a school is one of the most significant decisions a young person can make,'' says Turner. ``The process is complex and makes students and parents alike feel like idiots.''
The ``Idiot's Guide'' gives serious and not-so-serious suggestions. It answers questions ranging from ``Why should I go to college?'' and ``How do I fill out all these forms?'' to ``What should I pack for dorm life?'' It even answers questions about what questions the applicant should ask.
In the section ``How Long Will This Take?'' Turner discusses the advantages of four-year and two-year colleges, such as meeting new people or living at home - if you consider that an advantage.
He even explains why the post office hates you for the kilos of mail you receive from colleges during your senior year.
There's also what-not-to-do advice. These responses are guaranteed to leave college admissions interviewers with bad impressions.
Q: What brings you to visit us here at (name of college)?
Stupid answer No. 1: ``My parents drove me.'' Wrong answer.
Stupid answer No. 2: ``I'm here because my uncle's neighbor's cousin's garbage man knew someone who said this was a pretty good college.'' Gee, where should they send the thank-you card?
Turner suggests something a little less ``duh, I dunno''-ish. Try, ``Your college seems to have the features that are important to me such as (list your features).'' Ding-dingdingding. Good answer.
Other chapters include ``My Dog Ate My Transcript'' (all about the dreaded permanent record used to threaten students since the beginning of time), ``You Snooze . . . You Lose'' (the realization that there is no financial aid fairy who can give money away at the touch of a wand - there are deadlines to be met), and ``Letters! You Get Letters!'' (how to deal with acceptance and rejection notices without gloating or throwing yourself into a bottomless pit).
This is probably the only college guide that compares choosing your lunch to choosing your college - they both satisfy your needs, but pick the wrong lunch and you lose a couple of bucks for a bottle of Rolaids; on the other hand, pick the wrong college and you may be set back four years.
The down-to-earth nature of the ``Idiot's Guide'' sets it apart from others. It's easy to read, easy to understand and full of information.
Turner's wit helps lighten the load of the college-bound. If you are being bored to tears by another college guide, get this one.
Your book may have a lot of information, too, but just how many times can you fall asleep reading one chapter? ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Cara Yanisko is a senior at Princess Anne High.
by CNB