After knowing more, students and parents can better discuss and think about all these factors to decide if college is indeed the best option, and what type of college is best. The book explains the basics, and moves into detailed information that you may not need right away, but probably will use later. It has handy reference pages containing checklists, testing rules, calendars, admissions statistics, college degree levels, and websites to use, so you don't have to look everything up yourself. You don't have to remember everything now. You can go back to the book again and again when you need the information. For selective college admissions, see the detailed analysis for a plan of action for a serious run for the top colleges. See the great options of public colleges, community colleges, regional price discounts, regional colleges and flagship universities. Finances are covered to avoid too much debt.