Low-socioeconomic status (SES) students are underrepresented at selective colleges, but the role that admissions offices play is poorly understood. Because admissions offices often have inconsistent information on high school contexts, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether providing detailed information on high school…

On-campus admissions events are the secret weapon that colleges and universities use to convince students to apply and enroll. On-campus events vary depending on the size, location, and type of institution; they include campus visitations, open houses, preview days, scholarship events, admitted student events, and summer yield events. These events…

College students posing either as high school seniors or parents placed 20 calls to 9 colleges and universities over a period of 6 weeks. Overall, the school performed very poorly in telephone communication and follow through. Findings suggest there are many problems to be overcome by colleges and universities in their handling of applicants'…

Contends that college and university admissions professionals must find and supply tangible evidence that successfully distinguishes their institution from others the college-bound student is considering. Considers personal marketing, the campus visit, and important points to make in interviews with potential students and their parents. (NB)

Advice about advising and counseling minority students at predominantly white colleges and data about the enrollment and majors of minorities are provided. Included are a list of hints concerning: personal relations and student retention, educational development, financial assistance, and career planning. A list of words and phrases that offend…