For decades, college tuition costs have been skyrocketing, yet state financial aid has failed to meet the increasing economic needs of college students -- leaving many young people with the choice of bridging the financial gap by taking out student loans or not attending college at all. This pressing issue of rising college tuition is not just a…

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the U.S. education system in spring 2020, another persistent, pernicious pathogen had long plagued American society: inequitable educational outcomes on the basis of income, race, and ethnicity. This is especially true for postsecondary access and attainment. Research shows the benefits of postsecondary…

This article presents data from a collection of yearlong case studies on resident multilingual writers' college admissions essays. The focal student in this piece revealed the challenges that such writers face in presenting themselves to college admissions officers. Exploring these cultural and linguistic conflicts, this analysis uses Goffman's…

The Cowen Institute has a deep commitment to helping students in New Orleans access financial aid for college. They have previously monitored Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates in New Orleans and Atlanta, provided resources to help FAFSA completion, and currently convene collaboratives of college counselors and youth…

Learn how to engage and advocate for undocumented children and youth with this new resource written by and for teachers. "Teachers as Allies" provides educators with the information and tools they need to involve immigrant students and their American-born siblings and peers in inclusive and transformative classroom experiences. The…

Three teacher educators at two colleges in western New York have used content analysis to analyze prospective undergraduate and graduate students' applications to their early childhood education programs. Despite a number of apparent differences between both the applicants and the programs to which they were applying, there was a remarkable degree…

Provides a step-by-step guide for writing a college essay so that students are better prepared to complete college admission forms. (JOW)

Analysis of characteristics of students (n=1,684) using the Postdoctoral Application Support Service found significant differences in applicants to various program areas. Applicants to pediatric programs had the most varied characteristics; applicants to oral and maxillofacial surgery were the most homogeneous. The study provides baseline data for…

A study of the performance of Brown University medical students admitted with and without an interview, based on course performance, standardized test scores, and residency evaluations, provides evidence that the selection interview does not contribute to the predictive capacity of the admission process. (Author/MSE)

The transition from high school to the postsecondary educational environment is a challenge for any student. There are new places, new faces, and whole new ways of doing things. Not only that, but transitioning students suddenly find they must advocate for themselves instead of having programs and services planned for them. For students who are…

A study of over 8,000 admissions of Cornell University (New York) graduates to 19 highly selective medical schools, 1982-89, found that grade point average (GPA) was extremely influential especially at 9 schools. It was concluded that applicants often receive encouragement to continue the application process despite little chance of acceptance.…

Findings of the 1981-1982 and 1982-1983 Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE) Graduate Project are summarized, with attention to application, admission, and enrollment data for representative departments across project institutions. This Nine Discipline Study (NDS) created a database for nine graduate fields representing the humanities,…

This article examines the role of the student with learning disabilities in the transition to postsecondary settings, including participating on the transition planning team, selecting high school classes, evaluating postsecondary options, and enrolling in college. Practical suggestions to support students in this process are offered. (Author/DB)

Evaluation of a pharmacy student recruitment program undertaken by the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Society of Hospital Pharmacists found increases in total and completed applications, class size, science and mathematics grade point averages for incoming pharmacy students, interest in pharmacy careers, and appreciation of pharmacists'…

Discusses increased numbers of undergraduate psychology majors and strategies to reduce them. Proposes a prediction model based on the grade point average of graduating psychology students. Concludes that student performance in introductory psychology courses may provide one predictive measure of later achievement. (CFR)