The college-choice process is complex and affects many high school students, family members and public policy-makers, as well as institutions of higher education. This report provides an overview of the college-choice process for traditional-age students and examines how it has evolved during the last half of the 20th century. Material from the College Board and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors and popular literature were all data sources for this review. This report analyzes how student and family characteristics, institutional admissions policies and practices, and public policies have influenced the manner and timing of students' college-choice decisions. Specifically, the report examines the following three topics: (1) Shifts in public policy regarding postsecondary access, equity and financial aid; (2) Changes in recruitment, marketing, admissions practices and financial aid; and (3) Other institutional practices that have shaped the college-choice process.