Articles From America's Best Colleges 2009
Get Ready
Don't Worry: You'll Get Accepted to College
Breathe in...and then breathe out. Take it one step at a time, and applying to college can suddenly seem a lot less daunting.
A+ Schools for B Students
Don't pick a college just because you've seen its team on TV. Hundreds of lesser-known schools deserve a closer look.
Up-and-Coming Colleges Offer Top Colleges New Competition
These colleges may not be at the top of the rankings (yet), but they're tops for innovation.
Narrow the Search
Finding the College That's the Right Fit for You
Secrets of coming up with a shortlist, from figuring what you're really looking for to asking the right questions on campus.
Gender Gap: Why Colleges Like Boys More Than Girls
Is it easier for boys to get into college than for girls? At many schools, the answer is yes.
College Road Trips
Southern California
• UC-San Diego
• UC-Irvine
• Loyola Marymount University
• Harvey Mudd
Mid-Atlantic
• Winston-Salem State University
• UNC-Chapel Hill
• UNC-Asheville
• Virginia Tech
Western Pennsylvania
• Washington and Jefferson College
• University of Pittsburgh
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Carnegie Mellon University
Need Extra Help? Just Ask
Students with learning disabilities expect a place in college. Schools will go out of their way to support them.
Should I Mention Depression on My College Application?
Colleges scrutinize applications from troubled students more closely.
Black Colleges Aim to Build a New History
America's Best Black Colleges have a vibe all their own. But like other schools, they too must now compete for top students.
How to Get In
How to Get Admissions Officers to Say Yes
From essays to interviews to teacher recs, make sure your authentic voice comes through—loudly and persuasively.
Getting Ready for the SAT and ACT
You're pretty much stuck with them, so you might as well do your best to ace them.
What to Do if You Don't Get In
From wait-listing to community colleges, you can find ways to alter course in midstream if your initial choice doesn't work out.
How One Class Got to College
Jourdan Bosley: Digging a little deeper
Ann Cheng: Working Harvard's wait list
Lindsey Daniels: Finding the perfect fit
Mary Catherine "Cassie" Hazelip: Starting early
Scott Hornblower: Feeling accepted
Matthew Jaroszewicz: Going the extra mile
Joseph Steiner: Pulling out all the stops
Michael Strickland: Figuring all the angles
How to Pay
6 Tips to Help You Get More Financial Aid
Putting together enough money for college is a daunting undertaking. Our advice: Break it down, and take it one step at a time.
Get a Job. It'll Do You Good—Really!
The right jobs not only raise some cash but can improve grades and boost a career.
Thanks to the Government, Student Loans Are a Better Bargain
Government reaction to the credit crunch makes federal programs the way to go this year.
Financial Aid Advice for Parents
When brother follows sister, the lessons you thought you learned don't always apply. But there are some key steps you can take.
Surviving on Campus
Advice on How to Study in College
Our panel of experts reveal their secrets for hitting the books without letting them ruin your life. And yes, they've all been there...
Self-Defense Techniques Help You Survive on Campus
There's a self-defense class somewhere near you. It can be an empowering experience.
Eight Rules for Enjoying Life on Campus
How you can make new friendships without the hassle of hangovers.
Ranking the Schools
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