A college admissions system model is described that can be used to monitor applicants at each stage of the admissions process and to assist in planning and student recruitment. Examples are provided that demonstrate the model's broad applicability for the development of specialized admissions programs that can be targeted to accomplish institutional goals such as increasing overall Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, raising enrollments in major fields of study, and improving out-of-state enrollments. The system consists of the following stages: application, admission by the college, acceptance by the student, and enrollment. A flow model that displays the continuation patterns of students through the admissions system is constructed by collecting data on the number of students who persist at each stage of the system from application stage to enrollment stage. Definition of the observed student population is provided by grouping average SAT scores for first-time, full-time freshmen at 50 point intervals and, subsequently, following each group through the successive stages of the admissions system. The following data elements may be used: type of applications (freshman, transfer); application status (applied, admitted, accepted, enrolled); SAT scores (verbal, mathematics); county and state of origin; and intended field of study. The four-stage model provides for the production of appropriate numerical counts and continuation ratios, which can enable an institution to accurately identify the changes that occur in the applicant pool between initial application and final enrollment. A bibliography is appended. (SW)