Regional Differences in Junior Colleges

This study examines the geographical distribution of various junior college characteristics. Scores for 6 factors or categories of college characteristics, identified in earlier ACT research, were computed for each of 581 accredited junior colleges. When these junior colleges were classified and analyzed by geographical region, significant differences were found among regions on all 6 factors—Cultural Affluence (or Private Control), Technological Specialization, Size, Age (or Conventionalism), Transfer Emphasis, and Business Orientation (or High Cost). The regional differences are discussed and implications are suggested for research and counseling as well as for junior college planning.     

Intake and Walk-in Procedures in a College Counseling Setting

Modifications of the intake procedure usually employed in counseling settings were adopted in order to provide students the opportunity for immediate contact with a counselor. Elimination of the waiting list, reduction in number of missed appointments, and reduction of length of counseling came about. Staff satisfaction with the new approach has been high and there would be opposition to reverting to the scheduled initial interview. Possible changes in the type of problem or clients' readiness for problem-solving were observed.     

Effects of an Accelerated Reading Course on SAT-V Scores

3 groups of university freshmen took the SAT-V before and after a course in Accelerated Reading. The mean post-test scores for 2 groups increased slightly less than 10 points, while the mean post-test score for the third group decreased significantly. It is concluded that for the type of students used in this study, a course emphasizing speed and accuracy of reading is not of value in increasing scores on the verbal part of the Scholastic Aptitude Test.