Colleges and universities seeking accreditation by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association must conduct a formal self-study, prior to the evaluation visit by a team from member institutions. Typically a year-long process, the self-study should involve students, faculty, administration, governing board, and community. Although usually comprehensive, this evaluation may emphasize certain personnel, teaching methods, research programs, and so on. After a preliminary visit from a Middle States Representative, the institution should define topics for detailed study, establish a steering committee, establish and monitor progress of work groups, and compile their work into a final report which should be sent to each evaluation team member four to six weeks before their visit. A hypothetical comprehensive self-study is outlined according to recommended topics for detailed study: goals and objectives; outcomes; curriculum; admissions policy and counseling services; faculty; instruction; resources (buidlings, equipment, funds); and organization, governance and financial policy. (CP)