In this pull-no-punches, take-no-prisoners book, Loren Pope attacks the myths of college choice. Here are a couple of typical passages:

"The university's oft-cited claim that having many fine research scholars affects the quality of undergraduate teaching is a false position that has misled the public too long. If the great scholar teachers undergraduates at all - and most teach few or none - he is likely to be only an animated book or a television performer in a big lecture hall."

"Every year brings more proof that a college's effect on one's life has little to do with its prestige, and that the university, with its worship of research and its cheating of undergraduates, should be sued - or at the very least chastised - for misleading advertising."

How's that for taking a stand? In the land of hyperpolite understatement that is academic journalism, Loren Pope is a breath of fresh air. This book is a must-read for students, parents, and educators. Here are his myths:

Myth One: Any Ivy League college will absolutely guarantee the rich, full, and successful life.

Myth Two: If you can't make an Ivy, a "prestige college" is next best, because the name on your diploma will determine whether you do something worthwhile in life.

Myth Three: Eastern institutions are the best and most desirable.

Myth Four: The big university offers a broader, richer undergraduate experience.

Myth Five: A college you've heard about is better than one you haven't.

Myth Six: What your friends say about a college is a good indicator.

Myth Seven: The college catalog can help you decide if this is the school for you.

Myth Eight: You should make your college selection early in your senior year, before Christmas if at all possible.

Myth Nine: Your college should be bigger than your high school.

Myth Ten: Going more than 200 miles away from home will cost more and may result in isolation.

Myth Eleven: If you're in the top 10 percent of your class with SATs of 1300 or better, you belong in an Ivy or prestige college.

Myth Twelve: Ivy League schools are looking for students who don't have excellent grades.

Myth Thirteen: SAT scores are the most important thing; good ones will get you in and poor ones will keep you out.

Myth Fourteen: A coaching course will improve your SAT scores.

Myth Fifteen: A bad recommendation from a teacher or couselor will ruin your chances.

Myth Sixteen: Your choice of major will decide your career path, so the quality of the department should govern your choice of college.

Myth Seventeen: A high school diploma is needed to get into college.

Myth Eighteen: Going to a private prep school will enhance your chances of getting into a good college.

Myth Nineteen: Millions of dollars in unused scholarships are going begging every year.

Myth Twenty: A good college is hard to get into.