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The Overachievers - A New Perspective On College Admissions

 SUMMARY

Reporter and journalist Alexandra Robbins follows the life of six Walt Whitman High School students that are caught up with the college admissions process. While some are perceived as the Superstar, Genius, or Workhorse, others are noted as the Meathead, Flirt, and a Stealth Overachiever that flies underneath the radar. Through extensive interviewing and research, Robbins provides all high school students with the book needed to face the cutthroat admissions process head-on.


REVIEW

The Overachievers is easily one of the most unputdownable books I have ever read.


By following the life of six high school juniors and seniors who are undergoing the college admissions process, she showcases how many hurdles students are forced to deal with, including FOMO, anxiety, the relentless overachiever mindset, and parent intervention. By reading the collective stories about these six relatable characters who are all overachievers at a very competitive high school in Washington D.C. alongside reports and data gathered from Robbins about misconceptions of admission methodologies, overachiever effectiveness, and stress-driven suicide rates, my own views on college changed. 


This book is for anyone who believes they are an overachiever and are an overachiever solely to either satisfy their parents’ or a college admissions officer’s needs. I recommend this book to anyone in high school who is confused about the process or is seeking books that are relatable. Although the novel is from 2006, the events presented are more relevant than ever, and The Overachievers will inevitably shift your thought process on college and beyond.

Comments

  1. Luke F.February 6, 2022 at 2:35 PM

    Great review! This book sounds very informative and helpful. Knowing exactly what colleges are looking for on applications can ease the burden of nervous uncertainty. I hope to find time to read this book in the near future once I begin considering college options.

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  2. Ross KimmeFebruary 6, 2022 at 8:18 PM

    Great book review! The book seems useful, it gives insight into what it's like for people applying to college. Information like this can really help. Although I haven't applied to any colleges it seems like I will be useful when I do.

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  3. CollinsFebruary 7, 2022 at 5:43 AM

    Great review! This sounds like a book that would be very important for anyone wishing to go to college to read. The relatable stories would likely be very useful to read, helping people to learn a lot about this complicated process. I should definitely read this book before applying. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. RichiFebruary 22, 2022 at 3:08 PM

    I think the book is a very valuable tool to understand the process and the expectations to get admitted into college. However, it would be better if there was a newer addition because after the pandemic, colleges and universities changed their rules for admission. It would be interesting and useful to read this book and get familiar with the traditional guidelines to follow.

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