Maza Academics only recommends books we use with our private clients
By Maza Academics
Written by Edward Maza, founder of Maza Academics and student of Yale, Oxford, and Princeton, this guide distills years of experience helping students gain admission to top universities worldwide.
Beyond the Prompt takes you step-by-step through the essay writing process, from initial reflection to final submission. With practical exercises, real-world examples, and insider tips, you'll gain the tools and confidence to write a personal statement that truly stands out.
College Applications
"College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer demystifies the college application process by identifying four distinct types of admission essays. Students appreciate Sawyer's straightforward approach, which helps them choose the right essay type based on their personal experiences and future aspirations. The book's practical tools, examples, and revision strategies empower students to craft authentic, compelling narratives that resonate with admissions officers.
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"College Admission Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer offers a refreshing approach to college applications, centering on two key questions about personal values and their manifestation in students' lives. The book's interactive exercises and comprehensive resources, coupled with advice from admission experts, help students craft authentic applications that truly reflect their unique strengths. Students particularly value the inclusive guidance for diverse applicant groups and the empowering message that they can take control of their admission process.
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The "Fiske Guide to Colleges" stands out as an essential resource for college-bound students, offering candid insights into 320 four-year schools across multiple countries. Students appreciate its comprehensive approach, featuring real student quotes, exclusive ratings, and practical information on financial aid and acceptance rates. The guide's unique features, such as the self-quiz and "Best Buy" schools list, help students identify institutions that truly align with their academic, social, and financial needs.
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SAT Prep
When preparing for the SAT, it's crucial to use only official College Board materials to ensure your practice accurately reflects the actual test. Students should focus on resources designed specifically for the digital SAT, not the paper version. While the College Board offers numerous free resources online, the following books provide valuable supplementary practice for those seeking additional preparation.
"The Official Digital SAT Study Guide" is an indispensable resource for students preparing for the updated digital SAT. It offers four official practice tests and over 300 pages of instruction, perfectly mirroring the actual exam format. Students should note that using official College Board materials is crucial for accurate test preparation, and this guide complements the free resources available on the College Board website. While designed for the digital SAT, it also provides valuable insights for the digital PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, making it a comprehensive tool for standardized test preparation.
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While the College Board's official materials are essential for SAT preparation, the SAT Prep Black Book offers a unique approach using only official College Board questions. This resource provides strategic insights and detailed walkthroughs of real SAT questions, helping students understand the test's design and develop effective techniques. It's a valuable complement to official materials for those seeking additional strategies to maximize their SAT performance.
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While we don’t typically recommend vocabulary memorization for SAT prep, as natural reading is more effective, "500 Key Words for the SAT" offers an engaging method for those who choose to focus on vocabulary building. This book uses visual mnemonics and humorous cartoons to create lasting associations between unfamiliar words and their meanings. Students appreciate its approach to identifying common SAT word traps and its inclusion of pronunciation guides and sample sentences. If incorporating targeted vocabulary study, this resource provides an efficient way to reinforce key terms.
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Writing
"On Writing Well" by William Zinsser is a beloved guide for writers across all genres and professions. Students appreciate its practical advice on crafting clear, engaging prose, whether for academic papers, creative projects, or everyday communication. The book's enduring popularity stems from its accessible style and versatile tips, making it an invaluable resource for improving writing skills in our digital age.
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"The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White remains a timeless classic for writers of all levels. This concise guide offers clear, practical advice on English style and composition, distilling complex writing principles into easily digestible rules. Students value its straightforward approach and wit, finding it an indispensable resource for improving their writing across various academic disciplines and beyond.
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Art History
GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES: A GLOBAL HISTORY offers a comprehensive journey through human artistic expression from prehistoric times to the present. Students value its engaging narrative, which contextualizes pivotal artworks within their historical and cultural settings. The book's rich illustrations, combined with features like the Scale tool and Quick Review Captions, make complex art concepts accessible. This text serves as an essential resource for students seeking a thorough understanding of global art history and its significance in human cultural development.
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