A college guide provides prospective students various facts about life on and off campus at almost 300 U.S. colleges. It is designed to help the student make the most intelligent educational investment possible. It is selective, covering some of the best and most interesting institutions in the nation, providing written essays about them. Each write-up covers specific topics in roughly the same order (academics, student body, financial aid, housing, food, social life, and extracurricular activities). Statistics are included for location, total enrollment, undergraduates, sex, Scholastic Aptitude Test Score ranges, financial aid, expenses, Phi Beta Kappa, applicants, accepted, enrolled, graduated in 5 years, social life, quality of life, and admissions. A new feature called "If You Apply..." at the end of each write-up is aimed at students who become seriously interested in a particular college and want to know more specifics about what it takes to get in. The colleges are listed alphabetically and cross-referenced. An index by price is also included. A list of some of the largest and most established consortia is provided. (SM)