In this review of college admission practices, four areas are analyzed: (1) changing patterns of admission standards and practices and factors that have influenced those changes during the past 25 years; (2) importance assigned to high school achievement, test scores, and other criteria in arriving at admission decisions; (3) influence of college admission standards and processes on high school curricula; and (4) practice of awarding college credit to students who are enrolled in high school. Following a description of the criteria that are generally used for individual admission decisions, an overview is presented of admission practices during each of four "eras" that fell within the period of 1957-81: (1) Sputnik Era (1957-60); (2) Post War Baby Boom Era (1964-67); (3) New Groups Era (1971-74); and (4) Stable Enrollment Era (1978-81). The paper concludes with a brief look at the immediate future. A bibliography is included. (JD)