IN THIS ISSUE

As the NACAC National Conference approaches, the membership begins to focus on the most important aspects of the profession, and the coming opportunity to discuss them with experts and peers. The foundation beneath the meetings, sessions, workshops, deliberations, learning, and laughter, and the uniting factor for both sides of the desk, is the want to ethically treat and support students as they make the transition from secondary to postsecondary education. As members meet with colleagues and exchange ideas, they keep in mind this ethical mission and, as they select sessions to attend, they find areas to further their specific roles in making the admission world a level playing field for students. The Journal of College Admission strives to bring these ethical niches to the forefront, so that all parties involved in postsecondary education will consider their responsibilities both as individuals and as an association.

At the conference, members get a chance to meet with their educational counterparts. Open communication and support between counselors and admission officers is the underpinning of the association structure. In the feature article, "The High School Visit: Providing College Counseling and Building Crucial K-16 Links Among Students, Counselors and Admission Officers," Jessica Lautz, David Hawkins and Angel B. Pérez show how meaningful exchanges benefit all parties. As Mr. Pérez shares his experiences as a "road warrior," the authors thoroughly research the relationships among the high school counselor's time, utilization of the admission representative and student success.

When considering how to ethically treat students, universities must remember that even the smallest changes to their policies can affect students. In "Pen to Mouse: Web-Based Technology's Impact on College Admission Applications," by Denise Gifford, Juanita Briceno-Perriott and Frank Mianzo, the authors argue that, although the Internet appears to be a gift that makes college research and application convenient, there are still disadvantages to this more technologically-advanced process. Considering those who may not have technological access and knowledge, and other aspects, the authors test whether gender, ethnicity and ACT scores determine the characteristics of those who apply online and those who use the traditional paper method.

States too must remember that changes in policy or law can shape students' futures. In "Enrollment Levels in Institutions of Higher Education: Are State Lotteries Making a Difference in Dixie?" authors Rodney E. Stanley and P. Edward French research lottery history and past lottery studies to show readers the long-standing debate over state-run gaming's influence on higher education and society as a whole. Although state lotteries are a suitable way for states to make extra money, that money cycle, originally implemented with good intentions, has several outcomes, some of which are not beneficial. To further current research, they test whether more southern students are achieving higher education and higher SAT scores due to the surplus revenue caused by the state lottery.

A student's future seems to often be determined by the patterns his or her peer group establishes. Breaking out of the postsecondary education mold can be difficult for both the student and his or her parents. Due to academic and social pressure, a student develops a sense that going to college directly after high school is the natural step, however some students have a hard time adjusting to college life right away. Richard Grume shares how his daughter struggled with this pressure and how the family dealt with the situation in "Is That Child Ready for College?"

As you digest these issues of peer and student relationships, technology, state policy, and student and family life, keep them, and other pressing issues, in mind to discuss at the conference and future professional gatherings.

Sarah E. Smith

Journal Editor

Copyright National Association of College Admissions Counselors Summer 2005
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