One purpose of a college education is to create active and engaged citizens and future leaders. If everyone wants students who have the potential to become such people, it is necessary to keep in mind the skills involved in good citizenship and positive leadership when evaluating applicants. Many of the leaders who have gotten the world into its…

High-school students applying for freshman admission have at their disposal dozens of Web-based and print resources to help them sort through the process. Information on the Web is especially impressive. For students attending a community college, however, there is virtually nothing in virtual space to help them identify four-year institutions…

The increasingly popular option of applying "early decision" (ED) requires a student to make a binding commitment that, if admitted to a particular college, she or he will enroll. Now offered by 184 U.S. colleges and universities, ED is a highly effective--and therefore highly seductive--tool for managing enrollment. This author argues,…

Discusses sex bias in letters of recommendation written for college applicants. Examples of the problem and suggestions of ways to solve it are given. (BL)

States that the process for college admissions has become stressful for students, families, and counselors. Discusses the process from different perspectives to determine if there are better ways to accomplish the steps involved. Examines issues of early decision, use of college rankings, making admission policies available on the web, helping…

Offers suggestions for writing effective letters of recommendation for students. Suggests asking students what they are applying for, what their chances are, what personal information makes them unique, and what they would say about themselves. (JOW)

This document is a personal account of a college admission professional that traveled to meet perspective students. Out of 44 schools that he visited, the final school left him with a powerful impression of what this process is for young people and those who make their living working with them. Most people agree that today?s college admission…

The director of undergraduate admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discusses why the institution decided to end early admissions. The decision will benefit students and families of all background, he asserts. (EV)

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)

Discusses mixed messages concerning test scores, application procedures, and financial aid policies students are receiving from the ambitious recruitment efforts by colleges which may purposefully mislead the students. Calls for colleges to communicate openly with students and help students understand how to use the information they seek. (ABL)

Explores whether or not colleges and universities accurately present themselves to potential applicants and whether or not students honestly portray themselves to the schools to which they apply. Examines issues involved in recruiting and applying to college. Concludes that the issues of the college admission process are very complex, and that…

Explores the question of responsibility if a college-admission officer makes the "wrong" decision and a once-violent applicant enrolled as a student turns violent again. Uses the cases of Gina Grant, who had murdered her mother, and Richie Parker, convicted of sexual assault, to illustrate the need for clear legal standards to guide the…

This article provides information to parents with kids considering an honors program or college. Suggestions include getting a guide book to look at the overall institution; finding the child's comfort level in terms of what size institution would be ideal; checking out the institution's Web site; and keeping affordability in mind.

Argues that college application forms do not provide enough information to make any judgments as to whether an applicant has any aptitude for work in a British university. (HOD)

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)