We use statewide administrative data from Missouri to examine the explanatory power of high schools over student sorting to colleges and majors at 4-year public universities. We develop a "preparation and persistence index" (PPI) for each university-by-major cell in the Missouri system that captures dimensions of selectivity and rigor…

The purpose of this qualitative study is to analyze how advertising affects search and college choice among the plethora of college choice influencers. The results of the research indicate that parents, older siblings, friends, career aspirations, personal funds, scholarships, institutional reputation, location, sports, high school counselors, and…

This guide is for parents of students in Missouri who are planning further education or training after high school. After a letter of introduction to parents from the Missouri Commissioner of Education and a brief overview of the importance of planning for advanced education, it provides checklists of planning activities for students during 9th…