The guide offers information on undertaking a comprehensive, well-organized, programmatic approach to college planning. "The College Search: Defining the Problem" provides an overview of college-planning problems and offers solutions. A comprehensive, systematic 6-year time line is included. "Planning for Gifted Students: What Makes Them Different?" provides a conceptual framework for understanding the intellectual, social, and emotional characteristics of gifted adolescents, and offers suggestions for meeting their needs. The framework can be used to develop student profiles and plan specific programs that meet individual needs. "The College Search: A Matter of Matching" provides recommendations and resources to help students be aware of and understand their personal learning styles, values, interests, and needs. "Learning About Colleges: What Have They Got That I Want?" guides students in collecting information about potential colleges and helps them integrate self-understanding with an understanding of college offerings. "The Application Process: What Have I Got That They Want?" explains how a student's credentials are evaluated by a college, and includes specific information on the college interview, writing an effective essay, enhancing applications, and college costs. Appendices include glossaries; a guide to college guides; a list of contests, competitions, and activities; resources on gifted students; and an application used commonly by over 100 colleges. (JDD)