Discusses the problem in Portugal of increasing demand for and increasing difficulties in accessing higher education, and the range of educational strategies being used in response to the increasing competition for educational credentials. These practices are shown to have developed a new context for class competition within higher education. (GR)

Increasing, high-achieving Black high school students are choosing Black colleges over traditionally more selective schools. Aggressive marketing and racist incidents at White colleges have contributed to this trend resulting in many Black institutions becoming more selective. Some educators worry they will abandon their traditional mission of…

Examines a central issue in university admission in South Africa, identification and selection of disadvantaged students with potential to succeed in higher education, and the search for solutions to this problem. Discussion focuses on the legislative requirements for transparent and fair selection. (Author/MSE)

The Chinese system of education is described, emphasizing the "Key Point" schools which serve gifted and creative students and are better funded than other schools. These students, from primary level to high school, complete informational, political, and behavioral studies and are expected to study up to 16 hours each day. (JDD)

Describes the fierce competition and the selection process involved in gaining entrance into the Republic of Singapore's Art Elective Program. Discusses this curriculum's enriched and accelerated art program in which students gain a broader education and outlook. Activities include a live-in camp and an overseas trip for secondary students. (KO)

Predictor variables such as physical abilities, social interactions, and psychological factors are considered by coaches in selecting athletes for team membership. (JN)

Describes the history of computer science departments at universities in China. Educational principles that characterize Chinese computer science education are discussed, selection of students for universities is described, and curricula for both undergraduate and graduate computer science studies are outlined. (LRW)

Evidence is mounting that federal employees and their agents may have directed or even pressured states to choose specific assessments, consultants, and the criteria for evaluating core reading programs as conditions for getting funding under the Reading First initiative, possibly in violation of federal law. "Education Week" found such…

Texas, California, and Florida are implementing versions of a percent plan in college admissions. This report assesses these plans using data from published information on the plans; state- and institution-calculated higher education application, admission, and enrollment data; media accounts of social and political contexts surrounding the plans;…

The pursuit of excellence is inappropriate in basic physical education programs, where students should learn to understand and enjoy physical fitness activities. However, programs preparing physical education personnel should pursue excellence. (PP)

A new business is using the Internet to sell compositions written by successful applicants to 60 competitive colleges and schools. Personnel of the service claim the essays are not to encourage plagiarism but to help disadvantaged or underprepared students compete. Admissions counselors disagree, and some are prepared to reject applicants…

Discussion at a 1990 symposium on democratic values and higher education administration is summarized. Issues addressed include productive competition in higher education, open access vs. competitive selection, assessment of teacher performance and instructional quality, and the relationship between higher education institutions and national…

Using a sample of over 3000 first year university entrants in Greece, we investigate the time and expense incurred in preparation for the highly competitive higher education entry examinations, as well as what students spend privately while attending university. It is shown that in a constitutionally ''free for all'' higher education country,…

College admission professionals use the interview process as a tool for evaluating prospective students. Academic credentials and standardized test scores may attest to a student's academic ability, but they do not provide reliable insight into a student's motivation, character, intellect or basic values. To assist in this evaluation process,…

This book provides scholarship information for college bound students on how they can turn their talents and accomplishments into money for college via contests and competition. It notes that these scholarships, usually sponsored by associations and corporations, recognize student excellence in leadership, citizenship, science and engineering,…