Ways of improving the quality of precourse information, advice, and guidance available to students entering further education and sixth form colleges in the United Kingdom were explored. Data were collected from the following sources: (1) the 3-year Raising Quality and Achievement Programme; (2) seminars on sharing good practice in delivering student support; (3) 171 institutions' responses to a survey on pre-entry guidance and admissions; and (4) analysis of the findings from 86 college inspection reports. The following were among the 10 recommendations for placing applicants more appropriately: (1) use feedback from those applying to the institutions; (2) explore any effects of pre-entry information, advice, and guidance on retention and achievement; (3) liaise with schools and the Connexions service to clarify the nature and extent of career education and guidance received by pupils; (4) identify the information needs of parents and guardians within the college catchment area and development appropriate ways of meeting them; (5) explore ways of increasing access to advice and guidance at times of greatest need; and (6) develop self-assessment tools to enable prospective students to identify the most appropriate program and level. A table listing tensions and conflicts of pre-enrollment services is appended. (Contains 14 references.) (MN)