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…

Reports that several authors and publishers of college guidebooks receive money from schools selected for coverage, or sell space to admissions offices for additional coverage beyond the standard profiles. Both supporters, who say that such charges are necessary to support the publication, and critics, who feel these practices undercut…