Realizing the power of the Internet, many colleges and universities now appreciate that a huge number of students ' shop' for colleges online before making a decision. In response, there has been an enormous amount of redesigning school websites to better attract potential students.

The Chronicle of Higher Education provides an excellent article with examples and suggestions:High-school students are increasingly turning to the Internet to muddle through the dizzying process of choosing a college. Lately, they sift through dozens of Web sites and online services before ever setting foot on a campus. Many businesses and organizations help students find information on colleges, scholarships, and test preparation. And colleges are responding to the shift in consumer culture by developing compelling, interactive Web sites -- complete with blogs, online chats, and podcasts.

But some students say all the bells and whistles are unnecessary when all prospective applicants need is basic information about an institution. What are students looking for when they enter a college's Web site? How can college admissions officers put their best foot forward online?