Examined college choice of 92 academically talented students selected as 1987 Wisconsin All State Academic Scholars. Explored student characteristics and motivation; the influence of individuals, parents, friends, and high school personnel; and university influences. Findings led to recommendations for states wishing to attract and retain their…

Describes one high school's program to address concerns of parents and students regarding college admission tests, not through a quick-fix strategy, but by making testing an integral part of the education process. The plan described consists of three main parts: demystifying the process, developing a partnership with the school and family, and…

Asserts that college admission officers must take closer look at how they use high school rank in their deliberations. Contends that admission officers often give undue significance to rank. Describes statistical shortcomings of high school rank and notes personal cost to high school students. Proposes alternative weighted grade point average,…

Discusses advantages of using students in the admission office, including the enhancement of the pool of admission professionals for the future and the benefits to the admission office directly. Contends that paraprofessional programs help to bring both women and minorities into the field of admission and expose students to a number of varied…

Describes investigation examining college and university policies regarding the admission of students with learning disabilities, types of additional information required, who interprets additional information, and how information is used in the admission process. Notes that postsecondary educational institutions have no legal guidelines for…

Describes investigation examining perceptions and enrollment-related factors among Asian-American and African American college students. Considers issues of perception of value of education, external influences, higher education goals, and significant factors influencing decision to attend college. Suggests both groups are similar regarding…

Reviews financial challenges that colleges are facing or will be facing in the near future. Suggests that institutional administrators are resorting to business practices instead of educational practices to provide financial support for operations budgets. Describes summer enrichment program for high school students as contributing to apathetic…

Considers need for colleges and universities to develop effective marketing plan for recruitment of black students. Highlights advantages of designing marketing plan for recruitment of black alumni to assist in recruitment and retention of black students. Identifies key indicators that often hinder institutions in their recruitment of black…

Describes three case vignettes of college freshmen who are unhappy with their choice of schools early in their freshman years. Considers problems in dormitory living, academic pressures, and interpersonal problems. Discusses change in the campus environment in recent decades and the need for adult involvement in campus life. (NB)

Contends that college and university admissions professionals must find and supply tangible evidence that successfully distinguishes their institution from others the college-bound student is considering. Considers personal marketing, the campus visit, and important points to make in interviews with potential students and their parents. (NB)

Contends that college decision making is integral part of high school counseling process. Defines college decision making as process which brings to closure high school student's education, growth, and development. Sees process as opportunity for school counselors to make difference in lives of students as it presents forum for students to make…

Explores whether or not colleges and universities accurately present themselves to potential applicants and whether or not students honestly portray themselves to the schools to which they apply. Examines issues involved in recruiting and applying to college. Concludes that the issues of the college admission process are very complex, and that…

Conducted five-year study of the various choices students (n=4,923) must make at each grade level in high school to make solid decisions about which college or university to attend. Findings revealed that parents played important role in formation of students' educational aspirations and in decisions about saving for a postsecondary education. (NB)

Recommends that counselors advise students to look at seven often underemphasized, but important, aspects of college life that should be considered when examining student recruitment publications and visiting colleges and universities. Offers advice to high school students about how to evaluate the quality of these aspects of the learning…

Argues that words and images do matter in the student-recruitment process because they are the initial matchmakers between institutions and students. Presents ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into practice in student-recruitment publications. (NB)