Using qualitative methods, this study investigated the library search process of college-bound high school seniors. A six-stage model of the students' search process was developed from the thoughts, actions, and feelings commonly experienced. Using several theoretical bases, a grounded theory of the process of searching for information was…

Analysis of survey responses from 33 residential schools for the blind found that 45% of students were classified as without other disabilities, 39% of graduates went on to college, 49% were in grade 8 or lower, over 30% of students were day students, and most schools provide mainstreaming opportunities (particularly during high school). (DB)

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)

A reanalysis of American College Testing Program data found systematic relationships between student ability, family income, and college choice set characteristics for a general college-bound sample (n=6930) but not for students (n=254) who had applied for financial aid. Implications are drawn for using financial aid to increase student choice of…

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)

A study of 740 first-year university students found a strong positive correlation between students' college choice, subsequent expectations of the institution, and intent to stay at or leave the university. It is suggested that processes occurring before matriculation are as significant as the college social and academic environment or external…

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)

A case study illustrates the transition process of a girl with learning disabilities over a three-year period, describing experiences in graduating from high school and proceeding to community college. Specific transition objectives, personalized counseling, and individual accommodations are discussed, with secondary and postsecondary examples.…

Describes the ways in which the particular duties and orientations of two- and four-year college faculty tend to remove faculty from the transfer process. Suggests the importance of an increased faculty role in the transfer process through such means as faculty advising of students and increased two- and four-year faculty interaction. (MAB)

Examines two studies (n=18, n=103) of high school students' approaches to college choice, using a "brand elimination" approach to consumer decision making and analyzing each stage of the student decision process. A salient finding was that different sources of information are important to the student at different stages of college selection. (MSE)

Using data from a national longitudinal survey, a study explored factors predisposing students from single- and two-parent families to pursue postsecondary education and identified implications for enrollment managers and researchers. Results indicate that, although parents play the most pivotal role for each group of students, mothers are of…

Discusses the effects of a three-week summer residential program on participating students' interest in science, decisions about college or university attendance, and choice of major. (Author/CCM)

A Better Chance helps send youth of color to independent boarding schools. Many participants are from impoverished families. Each year, nearly all A Better Chance graduating seniors immediately enter college, with 88 percent entering very competitive colleges. Describes the application, assessment, and acceptance processes that these students…

This study expands traditional college investment decision-making models to include measures of social and cultural capital as proxies for expectations, preferences, tastes, and uncertainty. The model is then used to compare four-year enrollment decisions among African Americans, Hispanics, and whites, using the National Educational Longitudinal…

The College Board released the profile of 1998 college freshmen who took the Scholastic Assessment Tests and Advanced Placement exams and reported that the number of well-prepared students of all ethnicities is increasing, as is the number of poorly prepared students. The most striking differences found were between suburban schools and schools in…