In a survey of 331 campuses, nearly two-thirds of the public institutions and 54 percent of the private ones reported gains in the number of applicants. The strongest gains were at public, doctorate-granting universities. (MLW)

This booklet contains answers to questions that students may ask about financial aid for college. The booklet describes the usual costs of college, and suggests ways students can pay for a college education. The types of financial aid available are described, and the application process is outlined. The booklet offers tips for comparing different…

Questions whether some college recruitment tactics are ethical and if such tactics erode consumer confidence in college admission process in general. Lists National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) Principles of Good Practice most frequently abused by educational institutions. Recommends colleges make greater effort to ensure…

Examines partnership between students, parents, and counselors during transition from high school to college and offers unique interactive method for helping students with their choices about college. (NB)

University associate director of admission shares his theory on a better way to visualize an applicant's qualifications while quickly determining the applicants the university in particular should accept by individualizing the admission rating system. Discusses how to define the ideal applicant, establish an admission philosophy, prioritize rating…

Presents four steps to help families avoid the pitfalls of college selection by keeping their options open and focusing on the teen before beginning the search. The steps involve: debunking several myths about college selection; keeping teens' needs and interests in mind; preparing a shopping list before entering the college supermarket; and…

The nature of student college choice sets was studied. The characteristics of institutions that are assumed to be central to students' application decisions were identified, and students were grouped according to similarity in the types of institutions to which they sent their test scores. Data on 627 students were analyzed by a mode, cluster…

The rise in the number of students who showcase their particular talents on videos sent along with written applications to college admissions offices is discussed. Most are tapes of the student performing on stage or in sporting events, but some range from visual autobiographies to comic and dramatic productions. (MLW)

A study of 2,500 Boston College applicants accepted for fall 1977 revealed information about the college's applicant pool and drawing power that can be of assistance in policymaking and student recruitment. It also revealed information about application overlap and competition with other institutions in the same market. (MSE)

The establishment of the Bard College Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) two years ago was a significant departure from the conventional admissions procedure. The IDP seeks to eliminate the artificial delay between application and acceptance to or rejection from college, and to make either decision a more meaningful event. (Author)

This handbook helps students with writing the college application essay, moving them through each state of planning, composing, revising, and polishing their application essays. Essays written by students are analyzed for vagueness, overwriting, and pompous vocabulary. The authors emphasize that admissions officers are looking for essays that…

This document provides information on college planning and was developed for high school seniors attending Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. Although some information is specific to Lyons Township seniors, most of the information is relevant to college-bound students in general. Six steps in applying to college are outlined: (1)…

The college admissions process has grown increasingly burdensome, expensive, and morally corrosive and ill serves the college-bound student. The idiosyncratic college application form is a product of the isolated planning of the college admissions profession. Each student has to complete a different application form for each college to which he or…

Are some student-parent college aspirations realistic or do most of us fall into the trap of attending "well-known" colleges with prestigious names, rather than choosing the college that will best serve the student's personal needs? (Author)

Information wanted by college catalog readers was determined from a questionnaire in which 232 respondents rated as "essential,""useful," or of "no interest" each of 121 items. Forty-four items rated essential by at least 60 percent of the respondents are listed along with a statistical summary of all responses. (LBH)