What advice do the directors of admissions have for this year's high school seniors? Here's what they told College Bound in The Ninth Annual National Admissions Trends Surveys.

MAKE SENIOR YEAR COUNT

Even more than in previous years, directors of admission urged students to take their senior years seriously and to not let "senioritis" set in. "Continue to challenge yourself academically throughout your senior year," urged Lea Ann Hudson, special assistant to the president at Agnes Scott College.

One way students can ensure that they don't waste their senior year is to take challenging classes that will help down the line, according to many admissions directors. "Make senior year courses challenging. Take tests in the fall even though you did so in the previous spring," said Edward C. Eckel, director of admission at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Ann L. Huckenbeck, director of admissions at the University of Connecticut, agreed, saying, "Take more math and science courses, concentrate on improving communication skills, get involved in outside activities. PUSH yourself!"

Many directors of admissions said they look specifically for students who challenge themselves throughout high school, whether it be in academics or other activities. "We are always looking for students who challenged themselves both in academic coursework and extracurricular or community activities," said Richard A. Avitabile, director of admissions and enrollment management at New York University. "Students who have performed significant service within their communities will be given special attention this year."

APPLY EARLY

As is usually the case, an overwhelming majority of directors of admissions want students to apply early for admission as well as financial aid. "Apply early for financial aid and well before April 1 to be considered for academic merit awards," advised Marilyn Rabens, assistant director of admission at Elmhurst College.

And Kelly Roverse, admissions counselor at Mars Hill College, warned, "Don't wait until the last minute to apply, especially for financial aid, because if you wait, you may end up with nothing."

SEARCH FOR VALUE

While financial aid plays a large part in many students' decisions on where to attend college, it shouldn't be the deciding factor, according to many directors of admission.

"While the amount of financial aid is important, it should also be viewed in the context of the value of the educational experience and the student support services available," said John L. Mahoney, director of undergraduate admission at Boston College. "Graduation rates and the outcomes for graduates also deserve attention in making a decision about a college or university."

Dan Crabtree, Director of Admissions at Wheaton College, agreed, saying: "Look for outside scholarships, but don't base your college choice upon money. A college that's not a good snatch is never a good buy, regardless of the price."

TAKE THE INITIATIVE

Many admissions officers also urged students to take the initiative during the admissions process and to make decisions based on their own feelings, rather than those of their parents or friends. "Be sure you understand that colleges are very different. What is a good choice for you may be very different than for a friend or parent," said John Lind, vice president for enrollment management at Southwestern University.

Students can get an idea of what they are looking for by visiting campuses, according to Paul J. Weeks, vice president and dean of admission at Ripon College.

"Visit the colleges you are interested in, invest time in your search. Ignore where your friends are going," Weeks advised.

Jane Schoenfeld, associate Dean for Admission at Washington University, echoed this thought, advising students to "visit schools of interest to get as clear an idea as possible of what life as a student would be like on campus."

And Janice Schermer, assistant to the Dean of Admissions at Lewis and Clark College, urged students to "take responsibility for the process while at the same time maintaining communications with your parents and counselor."

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Even before students begin whisking away applications to various institutions, they should have an idea of what they are looking for in a college, several admissions directors said.

"Do your college planning homework and make informed decisions before you start applying," said George R. Dixon, Director of Admissions at North Carolina State University.

Richard M. Fuller, Dean of Admission at Hamilton College, advised students to "Do your homework in this process. It's a life event'." Christopher W. Rogers, admission counselor at Willamette University, had this advice: "As much as possible, do your college research before you apply, not after you've been admitted. It will make for a less stressful spring."