Despite a rise in enrollments at women's colleges nationwide, there is concern that the applicant pool is weakening. Average college entrance test scores of freshmen have dropped considerably since 1968. Some see research comparing women's performance at single-sex and coeducational colleges as unreliable. (MSE)

A study of 393 Oklahoma National Merit Scholar semifinalists and 222 nonsemifinalists found the college choice criteria of the 2 groups differed somewhat and that academic excellence was more important to the former than the latter group. However, it was not shown that semifinalists used more objective criteria than nonsemifinalists. (Author/MSE)

Two studies of variables influencing graduate students' consideration and choice of school found positive association with university personnel was a prime enrollment motivator. Students' decision process has changed over time. Evidence suggests students prefer an institution that is "user-friendly," affordable, and committed to quality. Cost and…

A study tested a model for assessing the impact of financial aid offers on 2,558 accepted students' college enrollment decisions. The analysis demonstrates that financial aid strategies have a substantial influence on enrollment and the systematic analysis of student enrollment decisions can help institutional administrators refine their financing…

Drawing on fieldwork, interviews, and literature reviews, trends in college admissions are examined, including increased competition, higher admissions standards, and growth in admissions management services. Focus is then placed on the role of private admissions counselors in providing knowledge, attention, management of college choice, and…

Presents several brief reports on the latest trends and current circumstances surrounding African American progress in higher education. Discussions include funding levels at black colleges, black student recruitment at Harvard and Yale, displacement of black PhDs in science and engineering, and education and the African American mother. (GLR)

A study examined relationships between ratings of college services and program quality among 57 pairs of business students and their parents. Correlations between student and parent ratings were small. Parents who believed they had greater influence over college choice were more satisfied. Parent satisfaction was also related to amount of parental…

A study investigated the factors influencing the decision of 180 doctoral students in higher-education administration to apply to their current institutions. Factors found particularly important to students of color included academic reputation and faculty friendliness, in addition to those factors rated as important by students in general. (MSE)

A study using High School and Beyond longitudinal-survey data found students from disrupted families were less likely to apply to, be admitted to, or attend four-year colleges, and less likely to attend a selective college. Differences in family resource levels accounted for the largest proportion of the difference in college choice between…

Through a survey of business programs, a study examined the nature and extent of student recruiting activities and classified them according to a "brand elimination" model. Timing and methods of recruiting were then compared to reports of enrollment changes. Results suggest that targeted recruitment activities aimed at creating awareness…

Questioned foreign students about why they chose to study in England to become foreign language teachers and how they adjusted. Respondents adapted relatively easily to institution-based training. Though some had adjustment problems with school-based training, they also considered it extremely rewarding. They chose England because of its proximity…

Examines individual high school graduates' postsecondary enrollment decisions, focusing on effects of institutional cost and proximity. Estimates a multinomial logit model of enrollment probability, using data from the 1980 High School and Beyond Survey. Improving vocationally oriented youths' financial accessibility to two-year colleges is more…

Examines the decision-making processes of 79 students who entered the law and business programs at an elite university. Argues that students' accounts for decisions reflect class-related opportunities and constraints. Finds that the majority chose their degrees for similar reasons: professional status, intellectual interest, and an…

Analyzes the influence of student aid on enrollment decisions of all accepted applicants at four institutions. Student aid was negatively associated with first-time enrollment, indicating that, in most cases, the amount of aid available was insufficient relative to the cost of college attendance. This suggests that institutions need to study their…

This article utilizes data from a two-year study of Latino urban high school students to understand more about the role of peers in college choice and access. Findings suggest that peers can support college goals.