Investigates how social and academic background factors influenced transfer to 4-year colleges for 2,500 community college students. Reports that past academic performance was the strongest predictor of eventual transfer. Concludes community colleges contribute to social stratification in higher education. (DB)

A 1997 Texas law requires universities to admit the top 10% percent of seniors from each Texas high school, opening a door for many Hispanic and Black seniors in schools with high minority populations. Observers are concerned some students may be underprepared for university work. Elite public universities around the country are watching to see if…

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…

Presents information on high school completers going directly from high school to college. The percentage enrolling reflects the accessibility of higher education and the value high school completers place on attending college. Between 1985 and 1996, the percentage of high school completers going directly to college increased from 58% to 65%. (SLD)

The director of a high school gifted education program discusses the transition from high school to college and reports on a survey of 97 gifted students four years after high school graduation. The survey addressed challenges and adjustments in the transition to college, whether students' high abilities were perceived as assets or liabilities,…

Most states have only a 2-year foreign-language requirement for college-bound students. Two 1999 federal initiatives--the Foreign Language Education Improvement Amendments and the Educational Excellence for All Children Act--provide support for expanding foreign-language education opportunities. Four exemplary Georgia middle-school programs are…

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)

Examines counselors' perceptions regarding workplace skills and career development competencies requirements for work- and college-bound students using a sample consisting solely of high school counselors. Results indicate that counselors view work- and college-bound students as more similar than different in their need for developing required…

Dual-credit programs offer high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credits while also using the credits toward high school graduation. This article examines the growing trend of dual-credit programs, surveying states' initiatives, quality issues, and types of courses offered. (EV)

Financial constraints, political events, and an explosion in the college-age population have put tremendous pressure on higher education in Africa. These pressures threaten education and the future of the continent. Governments and universities must make difficult choices to address these challenges. (SLD)

A surprising upturn in fall 1998 college enrollments is attributed largely to increases in the number of high school graduates but also to some state policies concerning admission to state institutions. While campus officials are pleased at the trend, many are struggling to find housing for the students. (MSE)

One of the reasons that the college participation rate is so low for young blacks is the very large high school dropout rate among black students. Compares black high school graduations by state, black and white high school graduation rates by state, and high school graduation rates in selected cities. (SM)

Reviews data on student transfers between colleges, especially transfers from community colleges to baccalaureate-granting institutions. Considers the overall transfer picture, community college transfer rates, and complicating factors such as varying times students spend at community colleges before transferring and the increasing incidence of…

Discusses findings from this special issue on adolescent transition to university. Focuses primarily on how findings highlight the importance of context in youth development. Concludes that articles point to the importance of studying developmental processes in college-bound students while they are in secondary school. (Author/KB)

A number of states are requiring public two-year colleges to raise academic standards so graduates can compete in four-year institutions, even linking student performance to funding. Some say the change will result in better-prepared graduates; others say struggling students will be discouraged and drop out. (MSE)