This theme issue of a newsletter for academically talented youth focuses on getting the best precollege education. It encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning by becoming aware of all the options their school offers; making use of them; supplementing and enriching the basic school curriculum; and participating in extracurricular activities. It offers advice on choosing a high school for those students who have that option, and recommends consideration of early entrance to college. A student describes her experience participating in the International Baccalaureate program. The advantages and disadvantages of participating in the Advanced Placement program are explored. An article then reviews the debate over ability grouping and cooperative learning, followed by comments by parents and students on this issue. Another article offers suggestions to help students keep their high standards under control, recognizing that high standards can be an invaluable source of motivation and inspiration but can also form a relentless inner critic that becomes a negative influence. The regular feature, "College Review Series," offers a review of Yale University (Connecticut) based on experiences of 11 students enrolled there. A book review and puzzle conclude the issue. (JDD)