There is one thing on every shopping list that any student will be sure to choose accurately: the perfect pair of jeans. Indeed, this ubiquitous wardrobe staple is an important purchase requiring a variety of considerations, many of which correspond to another even more significant decision most students will make in the coming weeks, months or…

In her extensive, laborious experience applying to and searching out colleges, the prevailing sensation the author feels is that of being a mutt at a pedigree dog show, praying her little paws off that the judges do not realize how unqualified she is. In reality, the process is slightly less degrading than this description. In this article, the…

Discusses similarities and differences in the marketing of higher education and other services, especially in regard to marketing to high school students. Considers the importance of the college choice decision, the adolescent's competence to choose wisely in light of promotional efforts, family influences, and the question of what higher…

A three-stage model of college choice is outlined, and research related to the model is reviewed. The first phase is a developmental one in which students determine whether they would like to attend college. For students entering postsecondary studies, the second stage involves gathering information about educational options. The third state is…

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)

This paper argues that a typical use of regression models to target student recruitment efforts is theoretically unsound and may therefore be operationally inefficient. It presents results from a study using a predictive model to identify the prospective students on whom recruitment efforts have the greatest impact. The model uses four kinds of…

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…

A study examined social and personal factors affecting the decision process of Australian secondary school students choosing university study and the effects of student background factors in higher education participation generally. The complex patterns of factors operating differentially in the high school years are interpreted through…

Student admission criteria and a college's advising and recruitment efforts are viewed from the perspective of a growing higher education establishment trying to attract students. A student selection model is proposed, derived from an "innovation-decision process" (Rogers and Shoemaker), which focuses on applicant behavior and decision-making…

This paper applies some of the research done on small group decision-making to the process of identification and selection of colleges by high school students. It argues that, since the decisions that are reached are often group decisions, or are at least strongly influenced by groups, an understanding of group decision-making processes can be…

Discusses the proliferation of college guides for prospective students and describes and evaluates 11 guides that address the opportunities in higher education for the older student, minorities and women, Christian and Jewish students, and students with special needs. (eight references) (LRW)

Discusses parental influence in college choice process, particularly in terms of considering community colleges as alternative. Argues that there is too little importance given to college choice making, that parents are more significant in the process than assumed, and that community colleges deserve and will receive increasingly more attention…

A survey of 204 graduate students at a small regional university concerning choice of major, personal and occupational history, vocational preferences, and self-monitoring behaviors found students chose majors based on program quality and career opportunities. Results suggest recruitment of older students could be enhanced through attention to…

Questions about finding information about colleges, deciding which school to attend, and suggested changes in the application and admissions process are answered by six high school students randomly called throughout the nation. (MLW)

A case is presented for improving information provided to postsecondary students and their families. Improvements needed to make information more useful to the individual are suggested. Several current trends are outlined that require new institutional responses to information needs, and six standards for defining "good" information are provided.…