Selingo, J. 2025. New York, NY: Scribner. 352 PP .
In Dream School, Jeffrey Selingo compares the college search process to waiting in a winding line at a popular theme park attraction. The line twists around corners and through rooms, allowing prospective riders to see only a limited distance ahead. As people shuffle forward, they follow those in front of them without knowing how many others are ahead or how long the wait will be—hoping, perhaps, that some decide to leave the line. Selingo argues that many students approach the college search the same way: following the crowd without fully understanding their choices. As he cautions, “Don’t just keep getting in line because that’s what everyone else is doing.”
Admissions standards continue to shift; applicant numbers keep climbing; and yet the number of available seats at colleges remains relatively fixed. At the same time, the cost of attending both public and private institutions continues to rise steadily. These converging trends only increase the complexity of the choices families must navigate. In Dream School, Selingo aims to provide a practical framework to help families make more confident, informed decisions—one grounded in thoughtful comparison and strategic questioning. Rather than centering the search on a single “dream” institution, he encourages families to broaden their perspective by asking, “If this school is on your list, why not also consider three others for comparison?” This approach empowers students to evaluate their options more intentionally, a crucial mindset in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Selingo structures the book into three interconnected sections that together map the shifting realities of college admissions. He addresses common myths about selectivity and prestige, showing how test-optional policies, rising costs, and increased competition have transformed the college selection process for families. The book then moves into a student-centered approach to comparing colleges based on the experiences and outcomes that truly shape long-term success—such as hands-on learning, affordability, job prospects, and campus belonging. In its final chapters, Dream School widens the lens further with a curated list of 75 accessible, high-value institutions—organized to help families look beyond the typical list of colleges and discover alternative, strong options to add to a student’s college decision process. The book blends data, real-world family journeys, and actionable frameworks into a user-friendly guide for families seeking clarity in an increasingly confusing admissions landscape.
Throughout the book, Selingo weaves in the stories of students and families he followed through their college searches. By spending time with them, he gained insight into how their decisions unfolded, what ultimately influenced their final choice, and how that choice shaped their college experience. These narratives make clear the magnitude of the decisions students face and illustrate the real-life impact of a well-matched institution. By grounding his advice in lived experiences, Selingo effectively frames his recommendations for building a “wish list” of schools, encouraging students to reflect on what they hope to gain from college while also considering financial implications without letting cost become the sole deciding factor.
Of all the students featured, Sophia from Chapter 4 resonated with me most. As a former community college registrar supporting career and technical education students and transfer-bound students, her journey mirrors those of many I worked with. Her decision to begin at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution stood out, particularly the financial and academic advantages she gained—lower tuition costs, smaller class sizes, and strong advising that smoothed her transfer process. Her experience reflects the success I’ve seen community college students achieve when provided with intentional guidance and clear pathways.
Reading these stories prompted me to reflect on my own experiences selecting schools. My first two institutions were chosen for practical reasons—convenience, online options, affordability, and the benefits of staying in-state. However, choosing an online graduate program required a more deliberate approach. Much like the students in Dream School, I explored programs both within and outside my state, seeking those aligned with my interests and professional goals. While affordability still mattered, my next priority was ensuring the program fit alongside my full-time work and supported my long-term development. Ultimately, I chose an out-of-state institution that not only deepened my understanding of higher education but also offered meaningful opportunities to grow in areas complementary to my studies.
Selingo also explores data related to finances, career pathways, and student outcomes. Two chapters emphasize what he identifies as particularly influential in shaping students’ college decisions and experiences: mentorship and belonging. Across multiple surveys, Selingo finds that connection and support play a crucial role in both student choice and student success. While academic programs, career outcomes, and cost are foundational, he underscores that students should seek a school that fits them—not one they feel pressured to mold themselves to. As a former instructor of a first-year experience course at a community college serving many non-traditional students, these themes resonated deeply. I have seen firsthand how even a single semester course can equip students with the resources, confidence, and relationships that foster long-term success and mentorship opportunities.
While acknowledging that elite institutions may be the right fit for some, Selingo presents key indicators families should consider when comparing colleges—such as first-year experiences, affordability, advising quality, and career support. These criteria helped shape his list of 75 “New Dream Schools,” presented at the end of the book as a guide for families navigating the search process. This list of colleges is not in any particular ranking order, but is a way to offer a set of accessible options that are affordable and can help students expand their list of schools for comparability needs. Each institution was evaluated on accessible admissions pathways, financial stability, price-to-earnings ratios, student engagement, career preparation, and overall value to undergraduates.
Ultimately, Selingo asks students to reframe their approach to the college search by shifting the central question from “How can I get into this college?” to “How well does this college fit me?” He urges families to ground their decisions in evidence—examining return-on-investment indicators, advising quality, affordability, financial stability, and the kinds of experiential learning opportunities that actually shape long-term success. Selingo emphasizes that truly meaningful college experiences grow out of environments where students feel supported, challenged, and connected, not simply impressed by a school’s brand name or selectivity. He reminds readers that prestige alone does not guarantee strong outcomes; engagement, mentorship, hands-on learning, and a sense of belonging are what most influence a student’s development and future opportunities. Above all, the book encourages students and families to keep sight of one central goal: “Find the school that is right for you, where you can discover who you want to become.”
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