Articles from America's Best Colleges 2008

Get Ready

Don't Worry: There's a College Just for You: For the past few years, the majority of kids have been chasing the minority of schools. That should tell you something.
Warning! Helicopter Parents at 1,000 Feet!: Take our multiple-choice quiz to uncover your preferred cruising altitude.
Tough Times for Girls?: At some colleges, it's much harder for women to get in than men. Here's what applicants need to keep in mind.
Time to Think Globally: Study abroad can change your life. Better yet, it can also benefit those you visit.

Narrow the Search

Coming Up With a Short List: A step-by-step approach to identifying colleges that feel right, have what you need—and might actually take you.
A+ Options for B Students: Don't despair if your grades aren't the best. There's a great college for you, too.
Primary Colors: Three College Road Trips
TEXAS: University of Texas-Austin; University of Houston; Sam Houston State University; Prairie View A&M University
OHIO: John Carroll University; Baldwin-Wallace College; Oberlin College; Lake Erie College
NORTHEAST: MIT; Rensselaer Polytechnic; Clarkson University; SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry
The Black College Vibe: Detroit's mayor tells what made Florida A&M special.
Joining the Spelman Crowd: College gave her a deeper respect for her roots.
Need Extra Help? Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Students with learning disabilities expect a place in college. Schools will go out of their way to support them.
Programs to Look For: A list of schools with outstanding examples of academic programs that are commonly linked to student success.

How to Get In

Express Yourself: How to Tell Your Story: You have a zillion opportunities to show colleges how unique you are. Time to accentuate the positives in your life.
SAT? ACT? NP!: From flash cards to reading the newspaper, there are tricks to preparing for tests.
The Early-Bird Dilemma: Some colleges want you to commit as soon as possible. But what if you need more time to spread your wings?
They Did It!: Zaira Gonzalez: Believe in Yourself; Daniel Crowley: College at His Fingertips; Maroulla Plangetis: The In-State Advantage; Harris Eppsteiner: Define Your Goals Early; JeeHyun 'Jen' Song: Blazing a New Trail; Karlton Lattimore: A Disciplined Approach; Ben Harounian: If at First You Don't Succeed...; Sophie Rubin: An Honest Assessment

How to Pay

Paying With Less Pain: There's not much of a safety net if cost is the biggest barrier to college. But here are some strategies you can use.

Surviving on Campus

Isn't It Time You Hit the Books?: If high school made it look easy, college can be a shock. We asked students what works—and what to avoid.
Dorm Room Blues: Why mixing two strangers together isn't necessarily a recipe for disaster.

Ranking the Schools

How We Calculate the Rankings: New for 2008: Some schools switch categories. Service academies are ranked. And we use Pell grant data.

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