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After spending hours traveling through cyberspace you've decided on your top 10 college picks. The virtual tours were helpful, but now you need concrete information to narrow your focus even further. You could write letters, but composing form letters and licking stamps is not your idea of an exciting Saturday afternoon.

Of course, you could call an 800 number, then again, you're not completely comfortable asking a stranger if it's possible to major in golf. What better way to show your interest and request more information than through e-mail? With a push of a button, you can find answers to your most obscure college questions, plus receive all the catalogues and glossy materials your heart desires. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's hassle free! But, before you click on the mailbox, make sure you keep the following elements in mind...

RE: FAQs
There are few original thoughts, and even fewer unasked questions. Before writing an e-mail, be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions section at the school's Web site. You'd be surprised at how many of your concerns are shared by other college seekers. Save yourself some time and check the FAQ page before writing.

RE: Subject Line
It's there for a reason. This is the first place the admissions staff will look when prioritizing responses. Be direct and state your request up-front. Use the subject line to alert the reader of the gist of your message.

RE: Name and Address
"Hi, my name is Chris," is not sufficient. Who you are, and how you can be reached is the most vital information to include in correspondence. The fact that an applicant maintained a 3.7 GPA and runs cross country is only relevant if they can be contacted. Don't forget to use your full name and address each time you write. (Hint: See if your e-mail program utilizes a signature feature.)

RE: Proofread
Even your favorite book would be left collecting dust on the shelf if it was one never-ending paragraph. Keep those English lessons in mind to make your e-mail a quick and easy read. If you have multiple questions, bullet or number them. Make sure your spelling is correct and work on your letter in a place where it can be saved periodically. Type it first in a word processing program, save it, run spell-check, and then paste it into the e-mail. This also provides you with a copy of each letter you send for your files.

RE: Be Concise
Don't bury your questions between paragraphs detailing your life experiences. Students often make the mistake of typing two to three printed pages of personal biography. Schools are interested in everything about you, but in an e-mail, get to the point, and leave the rest for essays and interviews.

If you need an immediate response, pick up the phone. Don't send messages the day before visiting campus for directions and travel arrangements. An e-mail is not the medium to use if you expect an immediate response. You never know when the person you are writing to is out sick or unavailable. If you need something done in a hurry, your best bet is a quick telephone call.

RE: Attachments
The name and address in an e-card or attachment is the equivalent of sending a blank e-mail. Many schools will not even open your e-mail because they fear attachments might carry viruses. Always cut and paste your message in the main area of the message.

RE: ALL CAPS
THIS TACTIC DOES NOT CALL ATTENTION TO THE INQUIRY, BUT TO A WRITER'S PUSHY, IMPATIENT PERSONALITY. Show some manners. Don't cyber-scream!

RE: E-mail Address
Hotsexyblonde@xxx.com and limpbizkitisgod-@xxx.net are as inappropriate as "leave a message after the burp" on an answering machine. There are plenty of free e-mail accounts you can use temporarily while conducting your college search. Face to face, or through a monitor, never underestimate the power of a first impression.

RE: Signature Lines
Please do not bombard your e-mail with revelations from your personal philosophies on life. Poetry verses and long quotes are too casual for a business transaction. Only use signature lines as you would a business card -- to include your full name and address.

By following these guidelines, your e-mails are sure to make it to the top of the admissions office in-box. Keep in mind, it is possible for a network error to occur, so if you've waited more than four or five days without a response, don't be afraid to politely follow-up. Remember, the only bad questions are the ones that go unasked.

E-Questions You Might Want to Ask:

• How much are tuition, fees, room and board, and the estimated cost of books?
• Do you offer my major of interest?
• What's the percentage of students that receive financial aid? How much? In what form?
• Are freshmen guaranteed housing?
• What student activities are available on campus?
• Do you offer a study abroad program?
• What types of meal plans are offered?
• Do you provide graduate school preparation?
• What are the qualifications for the honors program? How is the program beneficial? What does it entail?
• What sport does the school participate in? What is the division?
• Are there intramural sports?
• What performing art programs are available?
• Are there multicultural organizations on campus?
• Are religious activities supported?
• What is the graduation rate?
• What is the percentage of students that find jobs upon graduation?

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