Roses are red

Violets are blue

Which college is the one that's true?

Today's high school student is the most complex prospective college freshman colleges have ever pursued. The students and their parents are more financially savvy and they have their eyes on the prize of a professional position after graduation.

Colleges pursue students by sending them invitations to college visits and honors programs that are sort of like valentines. They pursue students based on standardized test scores and other available data.

The "valentines" from colleges come in the form of emails and mailings. Some are more personal in the form of phone calls to the homes of students. As the object of the affections of colleges, how does a student know which college is his college true love? There are signs that a college is serious about a student.  Serious colleges waive application fees, they may offer abbreviated admission applications and campus visit opportunities. Once students apply, they offer merit scholarships, seats in honors programs, special housing and advanced placement in courses.