Parents of Arendell Parrott Academy students browse a display of Fiske’s college guides. Submitted photo

Last week, the world learned of the bombshell story of well-to-do parents scheming and paying huge sums to fraudulently ensure their children got admitted to top colleges.  

At the same time, Arendell Parrott Academy was hosting Edward Fiske, nationally renowned education writer and author of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Addressing more than 50 high school parents who had gathered to hear his presentation, Fiske gave a reassuring message.

“There’s an incredible diversity of colleges in American higher education,” he said, “and there are more good colleges than there used to be. Finding the best fit between your individual student and a college is what’s most important.”

Parrott college adviser Mitzi Moye introduced Fiske as a former education editor at The New York Times and the author of numerous books and articles on college admissions.  

“Several of his books are staples in my office,” she said. “His unique approach in reviewing schools is refreshing, going far beyond the rankings game.”

Fiske gave parents some background on how the college admissions race developed over the past 20 years. He also advised them not to focus on rankings.

“You can’t truly quantify the learning environment a school offers, and that’s what’s important,” he asserted.  

He said he developed the Fiske Guide specifically to cut through the college marketing propaganda and highly touted ratings of some schools by providing authoritative information for students and their families.

As he started his talk, Fiske looked at a display of colleges Parrott graduates have attended and noted the wide diversity of schools represented.  

“Looks like you’re doing it the right way,” he said, complimenting Moye and her colleagues on working hard to find the right fit for each student.