Draws attention to some of the unexamined assumptions on which W. Bowen and D. Bok base their analysis and considers some of the unintended, and often undesired, consequences of racial preferences in college admissions. (SLD)

For college admissions and publications officers, a focus group of college-bound high school students can offer quick, anecdotal information about the general effectiveness of recruitment materials as well as about specific messages, themes, or design approaches. The insights gained by one publications specialist through the use of focus groups…

Discusses parents' use of early decision/early action (ED/EA) in college admissions to maximize the odds of admission at prestigious colleges and the implications for college admission programs. Topics discussed include the reasons for the surge in ED/EA, differences between ED and EA, the applicant pool, who benefits from ED application, and the…

Chinese education aims to teach students to be strong morally, intellectually, and physically. Those who excel are rewarded at each semester's end. Over three million candidates are eligible to take the college-entrance exam every year, but only 20% to 30% can be admitted to college. (13 references) (MLH)

Discusses a study conducted by W. G. Bowen and D. Bok that develops hard empirical evidence about the benefits of using race-sensitive admissions to selective higher education. The database on which this study rests includes more than 80,000 undergraduates from 28 selective institutions. (SLD)

Explores the history and current status of college admission and develops an approach to resolve ethical problems. Applies this approach to the need-blind versus aid-blind controversy, an admission situation rooted in the counseling versus recruitment dilemma. (MKA)

Explores issues related to race and college admissions, focusing on the problem of how much weight university admissions officials should give to diversity. What constitutes special considerations, what might be outright preference, and how the goal of ethnic diversity can be balanced against other factors are discussed. (SLD)

A study investigated the characteristics that 125 high school counselors considered most important in judging a college's academic reputation and whether those counselors, in assessing selected institutions, accurately applied the criteria they identified as most important in advising students about prospective colleges. Degree of counselor…

Using longitudinal data on sanctions against member schools of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, this study examined density of competition and legitimacy of rules as regulatory dynamics across organizations. The legitimacy of rules varied across schools and regions, creating different cultures of competition that affected the…

Discusses the effects of the federal appellate court decision in "Hopwood v. University of Texas School of Law," which found race-based admissions criteria in violation of the Constitution. Reviews issues related to permissible admissions criteria, punitive damages, class actions, and administrator personal liability. (MAB)

Describes some hurdles disadvantaged minority students face when seeking admission to college, such as high cost and early admission programs. Suggests several ways schools can help these students, for example, providing a demanding curriculum, improving guidance, and stressing early awareness. (PKP)

Examines current support for the further racial integration of U.S. black colleges, focusing on whether black colleges may be permitted to adopt race-sensitive recruiting and admissions policies specifically calculated to identify, attract, and enroll white students. Highlights the danger of framing a general prohibition that will deny black…

Examined a complex, competitive admissions procedure for a graduate preservice teacher education program, estimating reliability of components, exploring the relationships among a battery of applicant measures and assessments and using a simulation performance activity versus an interview. The admission procedures proved reliable and valid. Some…

Colleges and universities must seek or develop the most competitive enrollment management tools in order to reach and admit qualified students. However, institutions that utilize transactional Web features are more effective if they can personalize services by providing useful customized information in real time for the prospect. Well crafted high…

This article presents strategies that Latino parents and Latino students need to know regarding preparing for and selecting the best undergraduate college or university for the career desired, especially if the choice involves engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Access to pertinent information on preparation for admission to a college or a…