It has been exactly twenty years since the term "university rankings" came into being in China, and people have become relatively rational about the process, after an impetuous beginning. In a sense, the appearance of university rankings in China indicates the birth of something new, or the beginning of social voices in higher education…

Each year thousands of Native students enroll at tribal colleges. Many say the close proximity to home is a draw for them. Others check out the facilities, and some might look over the staff roster and ask how many Native instructors work at the college. Several factors go into their decisions to enroll in a particular tribal college. For their…

American higher education institutions, states this author, cannot reach or advance underserved Americans without deliberate and intentional action. Ideas are important. Great speeches and stimulating books inspire and motivate. Yet, this is not enough. Decisive action, guided by clear goals, and sustained commitment, is required to capture the…

Every year, more than 250,000 people take the Graduate Management Administration Test (GMAT) in preparation for applying to MBA programs. While many will seek admission to the top-ranked schools, only a small percentage will end up at one of these "elite" programs. In this book, Everette Dennis and Sharon Smith argue that those who think…

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…

College counselors regard themselves as teachers and educators, but they are something else as well. They are links between the location of childhood and the larger, more risky terrain of first adulthood. College counselors prepare students for an actual, not merely figurative, journey, the prospect of which fill students and their parents with…

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)

Presents an interview with William H. Gray III who discusses the educational advantages of the nation's historically black colleges (HBCs). Subjects include increasing funding and enrollments at HBCs and the reality of confronting racism after graduation. White isolation in higher education is briefly discussed. (GLR)

Presents humorous multiple-choice questions focusing on things parents should consider about colleges, such as what to look for on-campus visits (number of empty beer cans instead of number of books in the library) and how many days college will guarantee the student will stay at the school instead of percentage of students who pursue advanced…

Author argues that students should attend the best college they can get into, looking for one with a history of moral as well as intellectual contributions and the resources to help students discover their own identities. (BP)

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 the fundamental flaws and the issues of validity regarding magazine rankings of colleges and universities. Highlights the need to leave future generations with a system of college counseling and college admissions that is not corrupted by inappropriate and misguided approaches. (Contains 12 references.) (GCP)

Presents an open letter addressed to Morton B. Zuckerman of "U.S. News & World Report" concerning the magazine's survey/article "America's Best Colleges" which received a great deal of public attention. Criticizes the survey for failing to help families make better choices among institutions and failing to encourage colleges to do a better job for…

Describes popularity and utility of using institution's distance from prospective student's home and its environmental characteristics as starting point in selection of prospective college/university. (CM)