<b>This alternative college guide from a former Dartmouth assistant admissions director-turned-consultant gives non-straight-A students advice on the many options available to them and tips on how to identify, gain admittance to, and pay for the schools that will allow them to flourish.</b> <br><br>Less-than-perfect grades? No problem!<br>Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to have a 4.0 GPA or a perfect jump shot to get into a good college. This insider’s guide reveals easy tweaks that will pay off big-time in showing admissions officers that you as a whole—not just your SAT scores—are a perfect fit for their incoming class. With stellar advice on getting into schools that will allow you to thrive, this handbook reveals how to:<br> <br>Find great colleges that are a good match for your strengths (and will overlook less-relevant weaknesses)<br>Painlessly beef up your application<br>Tailor extracurriculars to showcase your uniqueness <br>Make sure your recommendation letters emphasize the right qualities<br>Write original essays that reveal traits beyond your transcript<br>Make an impression on admissions officers and college interviewers<br>Create an early-admissions strategy to increase your likelihood of acceptance<br>Help your chances if you’re deferred<br>Get into brand-name schools through the side door<br>Communicate about learning disabilities or special circumstances<br>Get scholarship money based on attributes other than grades<br>Customize your financial aid strategy <br><br>BONUS: Includes an appendix of <br>130+ selective colleges to consider!