Fat Envelope Frenzy: One Year, Five Promising Students, and the Pursuit of the Ivy League Prize

By Joie Jager-hyman

Book Overview

A former Ivy League admissions officer, Joie Jager-Hyman follows five bright and eager high schoolers--students from diverse ethnic, social, and financial backgrounds--as they each put their best foot forward on the road they hope will lead them to the hallowed halls of Harvard University.

At once a remarkable true story of dedication, achievement, and heartbreak and a guide for success in an ultra-competitive environment, this important work deserves a place in the home of every family that has ever dreamed of receiving that coveted "fat envelope" in the mail. Jager-Hyman also offers a startlingly frank appraisal of the college admission process and the important roles race and class continue to play in a student's efforts to attend the best school possible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00A2KD68Q
• ISBN13: 9780061257162
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful, insightful and engaging

Fat Envelope Frenzy is a wonderful, engaging, easy read. I kept tearing up as I read it - at the students essays, as they received their letters of acceptance and sadly for some, rejections. Aside from the personal stories of the 5 students, I also found myself learning a lot from the author's insider knowledge about college admissions and the history of the admission process. I thought I knew it all about the admissions process, but this book taught me a lot. A+

A quick, intereseting, and informative read

Joie Jager-Hyman's "Fat Envelope Frenzy" is both informative and interesting. In fact, I read the whole book in one day! The author does an excellent job of demystifying the college admissions process, which I must admit, has baffled me ever since I went through it myself years ago. However, what makes the book truly special are the engaging stories of the talented, dynamic students whom the author followed for a year. Ms. Jager-Hyman writes about these individuals with great respect and without reducing them to stereotypes. I definitely recommend this book!

A great book.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's still shocking to me how hard it is to get into an ivy league school, so it's great to get a former college admission's officers take on thing. The author definitely demystified things--for instance I never knew that being wait-listed in all but the rarest cases means your out. But the best thing about this book is the five kids who are followed during the year they are applying to college. One is the US champion in rhythmic gymnastics. Another spent his summers in China working in orphanages. Another is a math machine. And a fourth had his family home trashed in Hurricane Katrina. All such fascinating teenagers, with really moving stories.

A must read for both parents and students

Jager-Hyman demystifies the admissions process by personalizing the experience. She shares the stories of five "promising students" as they navigate the highly competitive maze of getting into the "right school." A must read for any student, parent or professional who is or will be confronted with this challenge. Jager-Hyman's realistic assessment of the pressure that students and parents face and explanation of what can realistically be anticipated is important for everyone involved with this process to understand. Her positive outlook on the results and admiration for the individual is a wake up call to all who get trapped in the Frenzy. A must read!!

smart, engaging, fun and educational

Talented and empathetic author, Joie Jager-Hyman, explores the makings of five wonder kids, revealing the behind-the-scenes drama and pressure, exposing the humanity and normalcy of even the most extraordinary. You will root for each kid and want to give them a hug at the same time. Joie's writing is smart, incisive, engaging and fun. Fat Envelope Frenzy is like a great reality TV show without the exploitation.