A study investigated the college application behaviors of students from different racial/ethnic groups (Whites, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans) to understand differences in the college search and choice process. Data were drawn from two large national longitudinal studies, the National Education Longitudinal Study (1988) and the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study. Analysis revealed significant group differences in college application behavior (number of colleges applied to, time of submission of application), first choice of institution, and tuition cost. Substantial data tables showing analyses are included. Asian Americans were most likely to follow assumptions underlying traditional college choice models. Latino students were the least prepared regarding knowledge about college and least likely to fit traditional college choice models. It is concluded that the findings suggest a need for campuses to evaluate the potential effects of policy decisions that may affect student choice for different applicant populations. Implications for institutional research needs are also noted. (Contains 7 tables, 5 appendixes, and 18 references.) (MSE)