Introduction: Steering the college's agenda --

Part One: Fall: Recruitment season. Selling a college: the endless pursuit of students ; Defining prestige: the buyers and sellers --

Part Two Winter: Reading season. Understanding merit: look at all the Bs ; Playing the odds: early decision ; Finding an edge: athletes and legacies ; Comparing grades: high school matters ; Finding diamonds: regular decision --

Part Three: Spring: Decision season. Shaping a class: the final, close calls ; Paying for college: the best class money can buy ; Making the final decision: May 1 --

Conclusion: Charting the future --

Appendix: What matters most.