This guide was prepared to inform students in Tacoma (Washington) public schools about the college admissions process. It notes that colleges have different selection criteria and discusses differences between community colleges and four-year colleges and between selection criteria in small, private colleges and large, public universities. A section on college applications discusses preliminary visits to colleges, applications, letters of recommendation, supporting letters of recommendation, multiple applications, interviews, college admissions tests, scholarship applications, recommended college preparation curriculum patterns, class rank, notification, the role of the student, extracurricular activities, and the personal essay. Applicants are reminded that they must prepare materials that will give admissions committees a comprehensive summation of their backgrounds, strengths, achievements, and goals. A section on standardized tests describes the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, the American College Test, the Scholastic Aptitude Test, achievement tests, advanced placement tests, college-level examination programs, and the International Baccalaureate program. Guidelines for students and their parents to consider before beginning a college search are listed, as are helpful publications. A timetable for college planning is given and forms are included to help students plan to meet college expenses and compare colleges they are considering. Information is also provided on a variety of federal financial aid programs. (NB)