Students often seek guidance before they make up their minds about the programme or university they should apply to for their tertiary education. As a result, college and university guide books that provide all-round information in areas such as application and admission have become increasingly popular. The Best 371 Colleges is published by The Princeton Review, one of the world's largest test preparation providers. It aims to help students make their choice by providing numerous resources and useful information on colleges in United States. 'The publication is highly popular as it compiles a lot of useful information in one book, making it easier for students to research on universities, find the university they are interested in, then know what SAT score they will need to enter these universities,' says Anthony Chow Chi-lek, executive director, Hong Kong and Shanghai, The Princeton Review. The colleges and universities are ranked according to academics and feedback from counsellors, students, parents, educators and Princeton Review staff from various offices. Moreover, the selection reflects a wide range of colleges and takes care of the students' needs in different aspects by including extra information, such as religious affiliations of universities, providing lists of men's and women's colleges, and categorising schools into their respective focus such as science, engineering, technology and other specialised fields. The Princeton Review devotes resources to ensure that the guide book provides the most accurate information to its readers. 'Any college we consider adding to the guide must agree to allow us to conduct candid surveys of its students,' Chow says. 'What students say about their schools and their campus life is very important to us and to prospective applicants and their parents, especially those who are unable to visit the campuses in person.' This year's edition of Best 371 Colleges includes 62 ranking lists that identify the top 20 colleges, including top professors, best career or job placement services, best athletics facilities, most diverse student population, best college newspaper, and even top party schools, dorm-like palaces and best campus food. Other than the guide book for prospective undergraduate students, the Princeton Review publishes The Best 301 Business Schools for potential MBA students. 'This guide book is very useful for potential MBA candidates, particular those targeting US MBAs,' Chow says. 'It contains a lot of helpful information on different MBA programmes to help students better understand what they should look for, and what requirements they need, all in one book.' Although the ranking may not stand out as the most important factor when students are deciding on a university programme, the books help students make smart choices for college by providing basic information about different colleges, universities and programmes, and reducing the time that students have to devote to research.