Finds that while more college-bound students are utilizing the early decision process, many others are delaying their decision until the last possible moment. Reasons cited include rising costs, need for more financial aid, and increasing selectivity. Notes that increased number of students graduating from high school and booming economy have made…

College applicants' increasing use of consultant services to help ensure admission to elite colleges is criticized by college admissions officers, concerned that the services assist only the wealthy, and by high school counselors who feel consultants may be dispensing bad advice or may not be committed to student needs. Some feel college…