Applying to college can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate the journey towards your dream school. One of the best ways to prepare for college applications is to read books that offer advice and guidance on how to stand out in the highly competitive admissions process. Here are 12 college application books that can help you get into your dream school:

1. “College Essay Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Successful College Admissions Essay” by Ethan Sawyer: This book offers practical tips and strategies for crafting a compelling college essay that will make you stand out to admissions officers.

2. “The College Application Essay” by Sarah Myers McGinty: This book provides detailed guidance on how to write a strong college essay that showcases your unique qualities and experiences.

3. “Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps” by Alan Gelb: This book offers a step-by-step approach to writing a successful college essay that will help you impress admissions officers.

4. “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays” by Staff of the Harvard Crimson: This book features 50 essays written by successful Harvard applicants, providing valuable insights into what makes a standout college essay.

5. “The Best College Admission Essays” by Mark Alan Stewart and Cynthia C. Muchnick: This book features essays from successful applicants to top colleges, offering inspiration and guidance for your own college application essays.

6. “Admissions by Design: Stop the Madness and Find the Best College for You” by Lisa Fisher: This book offers a fresh perspective on the college admissions process, helping you find the best fit for your interests and goals.

7. “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania” by Frank Bruni: This book challenges the notion that attending a prestigious college is the key to success, offering a more balanced view of the college admissions process.

8. “The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2021: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships Grants and Prizes” by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe: This book provides valuable information on scholarships and grants to help you finance your college education.

9. “The College Bound Organizer” by Anna Costaras and Gail Liss: This book offers practical advice on how to stay organized and on track throughout the college application process.

10. “College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step” by Robin Mamlet and Christine Vandevelde: This comprehensive guide offers advice on every aspect of the college admissions process, from choosing a college to submitting your application.

11. “The Insiders Guide to College Admissions” by Yale Daily News Staff: This book provides insider insights and advice on navigating the college admissions process, written by students who have successfully gone through it themselves.

12. “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” by Edward B. Fiske: This popular guidebook offers detailed profiles of over 300 colleges, providing valuable information on admissions requirements, campus life, and academic programs.

These 12 college application books cover a wide range of topics related to the admissions process, from writing a strong essay to finding the best fit for your interests and goals. By reading and absorbing the advice in these books, you can increase your chances of getting into your dream school and setting yourself up for success in college and beyond.