This digest provides students, parents, and educators with guidelines to help gifted students in the college planning process. As learning about oneself and career options is essential to college planning, a 6-year program of guidance activities is outlined for grades 7-12. Learning about colleges is discussed in terms of two steps, the first involves collecting general information by reading, talking with people, and visiting colleges; and the second involves analyzing and evaluating that information. Briefly noted are the following factors considered by colleges in selecting students: academic performance; academic rigor (including depth of study, quality, balance, and trends); consistency; performance on standardized tests; extracurricular activities and other supporting material; community service; recommendations; and the application essay. (DB)