Discusses recent Supreme Court decisions that suggest policies of preferential admissions in higher education are safe, at least in the moderate form established in the Bakke case. The article examines the meaning of the Bakke case, reviews the benefits of diversity to higher education, and speculates about the survivability of the Bakke decision…

A qualitative investigation of the conduct and content of medical school admission interviews found that differences in the 10 interviewers' perceptions of the purpose and structure of the interview varied according to their professional background and amount of experience with the admissions process. (MDM)

This study analyzed the admissions materials sent by four major Midwestern research universities to each of four hypothetical prospective students (first- through fourth-year high school students). The material was analyzed on the basis of timeliness, personalization, pricing, image, and segmentation. (MDM)

This article proposes that providing an 800-number for prospective students who want additional information may be a cost-effective means for colleges and universities to enhance student recruitment efforts. The use of service bureaus that provide this service is discussed, and administrative considerations are explored. (MSE)

The University of California's decision to end some racial preferences used in admissions and hiring is seen by some as an admission of long-term violations of federal court rulings, and as an effort to stem a voter revolt against affirmative action. The regents' vote on the policy is expected to be close. (MSE)

In the wake of the University of California's decision not to continue an affirmative action policy in admissions and hiring, the University system claims it will continue to encourage diversity without "using race, ethnicity, or gender" and is investigating ways to accomplish this. Other institutions are looking at how the policy change…

The new scale used for scoring the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) is explained, its development is described, and implications for the college admissions process are discussed. The recentering was designed to remedy the downward drift of the score distribution midpoint. (Author/MSE)

A study found that interviewers of medical school applicants (n=471) were influenced in their ratings of applicants' noncognitive attributes by grade point average and Medical College Admission Test scores, when available, and by gender and race in accordance with affirmative action goals. Only moderate reliability across interviewers was found.…

Admissions offices of colleges trying to increase undergraduate student diversity are being criticized for failing to explain their affirmative action policies to prospective students and their parents, resulting in a backlash against affirmative action as white students fear reverse discrimination. (DB)

Surveyed over 200 public and private high school college advisors to learn what counselors think about their relations with college admission offices and how they view contemporary recruitment efforts. Concludes that there needs to be more open communication between college admission offices and high school counselors. (NB)

The Pennsylvania State University national alumni admissions program involves alumni in direct recruitment of undergraduate students. This is a major service to the institution, increasing friends of the college and contacts with organizations, clubs, local high schools, and prospective students. Most important, it provides local contacts for…

This article examines reasons for differences in standardized test scores between men and women college students. It considers tests'"underprediction" of female performance, continuing gender differences in math and science, and implications for admissions and aid professionals. Graphs demonstrate trends. (DB)

A survey of 18 combined baccalaureate-M.D. programs shows that students entering the program's first year directly from high school in 1990-91 exceeded minimum expected standardized test scores, grade point averages, and class rank. In the same year, 7% of matriculants, on average, failed to meet medical school entry requirements. (Author/MSE)

The ethics of using information on college students' applications to determine which parents might be potential donors to the institution are debated. The exchange of information between admissions and development offices without parents' knowledge is seen by some as compromising institutional integrity. (MSE)

Examines modes of competition for entry to selective Japanese universities using data on graduates from five high schools. Describes four models of selection modes, with "contest mobility" and "tournament mobility" corresponding to myths about U.S. and Japanese selection processes. Connects such myths to different national…