In this article, the author shares how choosing a college can be an overwhelming experience. She shares that there are so many choices. Almost every college fits all the requirements she wanted. As such, she decided to stop worrying about college and made a decision to enjoy the high school experience she is living right now.

The four college years is the last important developmental period of a young person's life, and what happens then can and often does have substantial consequences. He can be awakened and fired up to develop himself and his talents, he can plod through largely untouched or unenlightened, he can be frustrated and turned off, he can transfer, or he…

Over the past decade, the number of students with disabilities enrolling in college has increased steadily. Data are not gathered annually, but the figures compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics show that the number of undergraduates at degree-granting institutions rose from 1,508,000 in 1999 to 2,156,000 enrolled in 2003, a 69…

In 1985, 228 4-year colleges and universities completed surveys regarding enrollment management activities. "The College Handbook 1991" (Handbook) and "Peterson's Guide to Four-Year Colleges 1991" (Guide) were reviewed to obtain fall 1989 admissions statistics for same 228 colleges. Comparison of survey responses and Guide and Handbook information…

Conducted survey of philosophies and practices of rejection letters from broad spectrum of selective colleges and universities. Surveyed high school counselors, students, and parents to determine their feelings about rejection letters and practices. Many counselors and students agreed that such letters were warm and compassionate but lacked…

Recommends that counselors advise students to look at seven often underemphasized, but important, aspects of college life that should be considered when examining student recruitment publications and visiting colleges and universities. Offers advice to high school students about how to evaluate the quality of these aspects of the learning…

Surveyed high schools as to their models and practices of grade weighting, sought opinions from college respondents who participated in past national surveys on weighting averages, and determined feasibility of recommending national grade weighting system. Found that weighted grading system is preferred by college admission professionals. (NB)

Conducted five-year study of the various choices students (n=4,923) must make at each grade level in high school to make solid decisions about which college or university to attend. Findings revealed that parents played important role in formation of students' educational aspirations and in decisions about saving for a postsecondary education. (NB)

Argues that words and images do matter in the student-recruitment process because they are the initial matchmakers between institutions and students. Presents ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into practice in student-recruitment publications. (NB)

Notes that current surge in promotional activities has called into question the social responsibility of colleges and universities. Focuses specifically on admission and promotional practices. Begins by reviewing the current practice, then goes on to discuss self-regulation, counseling, and the role of marketing in the college admission process.…

Discusses what is wrong with encouraging high school students to apply to their dream school as a college choice when they have no real chance of being accepted. Contends that concentrating on an unrealistic dream school steals away serious exploration of all other colleges. Suggests ways that college advisors can burst the bubble of the "dream…

Based on a panel given at the 1991 National Association of College Admission Counselor conference, this article discusses the role of parents in the college admission process, considering how counselors can work effectively with parents as a team and how colleges can involve parents in a collaborative way that frees the student to choose and the…

Examined college choice of 92 academically talented students selected as 1987 Wisconsin All State Academic Scholars. Explored student characteristics and motivation; the influence of individuals, parents, friends, and high school personnel; and university influences. Findings led to recommendations for states wishing to attract and retain their…

Discusses movie "How I Got into College," satire of college admission process and highly effective counseling tool. Describes three college counseling programs using the film in senior family workshop, junior guidance group, and senior counseling group. Presents guidelines to develop program using the film to help students and parents reduce…

Contends that college decision making is integral part of high school counseling process. Defines college decision making as process which brings to closure high school student's education, growth, and development. Sees process as opportunity for school counselors to make difference in lives of students as it presents forum for students to make…