New developments in college admission and student educational financing are discussed, including high demand for selective and expensive colleges, increased chances of admission at less prestigious but equally high quality schools, increased institutional student aid, and other changes in aid packaging and options. (MSE)

Although competition at top colleges may be stiff, there are ways to improve the chances of admission, including: careful high school course and extracurricular activity selection to highlight academic, creative, leadership, initiative, and maturity characteristics; application and interview approaches; college choice; and timing. (MSE)