Describes how the Gates Millennium Scholars program uses nontraditional criteria to award grants to low-income minority students. Profiles the first three recipients. (EV)

The establishment of the Bard College Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) two years ago was a significant departure from the conventional admissions procedure. The IDP seeks to eliminate the artificial delay between application and acceptance to or rejection from college, and to make either decision a more meaningful event. (Author)

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,…

In the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in student stress associated with the college admission process. It is the responsibility of admissions professionals, with support from school counselors and administrators, to inform students and parents, reduce the obsession with selectivity, and concentrate on providing students with…

Media ranking of colleges is often superficial and only further confuses families and prospective students. In addition, some colleges are excluding students to present a "selective" profile. Rationality in admissions can return, when parents and students become knowledgeable about the process, counselors interpret changes, and colleges give…