Examines folklore (conventional wisdom) about college quality and critiques five key myths that misguide prospective students in selecting a college. Suggests multiple criteria framework for assessing college quality. (CM)

Asserts that no one can be certain whether a particular student will be accepted into their college/university of choice. Acknowledges anxiety and lack of control felt by prospective students and their parents. Recommends prospective students' families view the college search as an educational decision-making process. (CM)

Contends that prospective students should evaluate suitability of colleges based on individual student needs rather than national ratings. Argues that ratings are superficial, sometimes misleading, and potentially demoralizing for academically weaker students. (CM)

Contends that high school counselors are critical of college ratings because they hinder effective college-choice counseling. Suggests prospective students actively engage in selection process and college admissions counselors stress need for good match between individual and college. (CM)

Every year the college rankings in "U.S. News & World Report" raise voices disparaging the rankings' methods, validity and contribution to status-driven consumerism. Now, voices are rising against a September 2002 "Worth" magazine article, which ranks preparatory schools not according to the quality of education, but merely on which schools appear…

Students at Black colleges buy psychological well-being and spiritual affinity while getting less favorable physical circumstances. Black students on White campuses get a better physical environment but less satisfying personal relationships and less peace of mind. Colleges must combine the best of both environments to spare students that choice.…

Like summer football rankings, the college rankings tell something about the potential impact that a college or university may have on a student, based on the resources of campuses on the one hand and their reputations on the other. When a student and that student's parents are looking for "the right campus," resources should be important. What…

Perspectives of a law school advisor on the advising role as seen by the student and the law school and issues that are relevant to student needs are presented. Questions that students frequently ask the law school advisor and the legitimacy of the advisor as a screener in getting students accepted into law schools are discussed. Concern over the…

Problems associated with the transition from secondary schooling to higher education are assuming increasing significance as demand for places slackens. Student entry characteristics and adjustment difficulties are discussed in relation to choice of course and institution. Possible methods for dealing with transition problems are discussed.…

This article describes language difficulties of college students with language learning disabilities and the types of accommodations that are provided to these students. It presents four language issues that affect the provision of accommodations, points out the differences across universities in the accommodations offered, and provides three case…

The role of marketing in higher education is discussed in light of declining student enrollment and the problems of retrenchment. It is suggested that, rather than an unconditional acceptance of the marketing approach to institutional survival, there may soon come a time when some colleges should close their doors. (SF)

As the structure of education has become more complex, as participation in education and related expectations have increased, and as the cost of higher education has increased dramatically, the transition between high school and college has become more complicated. This discussion explores several dimensions of the transition process, including…

Presents three short articles from conference panel session during 49th annual National Association of College Admission Counselors National Conference. Article by Christopher Hooker-Haring describes differences in undergraduate experiences provided by different institutions. Article by Michael Barron focuses on merits of public education. Article…

Foreign students make up an important, and growing, segment of higher education in the United States. Reasons why foreign students come to the United States to study include the following: (1) the United States offers a serious approach to higher education in which students receive appropriate training and generally are able to complete the…

The potential value of marketing principles to help solve educational problems in higher education is addressed. Four variables that are within the decision power of those in higher education and those in the commercial world are the product, distribution, promotion, and price. The marketing concept demands that policies be built on a base of…