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.

Less-than-perfect grades? No problem!

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:

• Find great colleges that are a good match for your strengths (and will overlook less-relevant weaknesses)
• Painlessly beef up your application
• Tailor extracurriculars to showcase your uniqueness
• Make sure your recommendation letters emphasize the right qualities
• Write original essays that reveal traits beyond your transcript
• Make an impression on admissions officers and college interviewers
• Create an early-admissions strategy to increase your likelihood of acceptance
• Help your chances if you’re deferred
• Get into brand-name schools through the side door
• Communicate about learning disabilities or special circumstances
• Get scholarship money based on attributes other than grades
• Customize your financial aid strategy

BONUS: Includes an appendix of 130+ selective colleges to consider!