Getting in You've made your choice, but that's only the half of it. Now you've got to make sure you get accepted to the college you want.

Winning strategies for getting in
Admissions officers suggest ways to increase your chances. Also:   · Courseload requirements for getting in

Yale vs. UW: What they look for
Extras help at big-name schools; public schools are bound to an admissions formula.

Parents: when to help, when to butt out
A word of advice for parents of kids in the throes of the college-admissions process: Back off.

THE TESTS
Boning up for the tests
Extra help is available, both free and for a price. We look at whether the money is well spent.

SAT vs. ACT: Which one should you take?
Most colleges accept scores from either. Try practice tests to see which suits you.

Essay added to SAT
The college-entrance exam is undergoing several changes next spring. Also:
  · Sample essay assignment
  · Who takes the SAT

MAKING THE DECISION
How to choose if several colleges choose you
Say you apply to six colleges and the acceptances flood in. Should you go for prestige?