I was really impressed with this Kaplan book. I purchased it because I was debating about whether or not I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. This book gives you step by step guides on how to apply (from writing essays to asking for recommendations), how to find money for school (scholarships, school funding, loans: types of, etc.), and wake-up calls on the real-life of a Ph.D. student and after graduation. There is also a section in the back on where to find scholarship money.I read this book straight through with a highlighter and pencil and it helped me get through the application process smoothly. It's well written and user friendly. I strongly recommend purchasing this book even if you're just thinking about applying to graduate school. It really makes you think about the entire process, not just the "going-to-school" part.