When Bethany Hutchens decided on the schools she wanted to apply to, she didn't pay attention to rankings or big names. In fact, she was blissfully unaware of the controversies that surround college rankings: and that was a good thing.

The PSAT: So begins the dreaded marathon of standardized tests high school students have to take if they aspire to higher education in America. This is one part of the college journey Andrea Park could do without.

The process of getting into college can be frustrating, exhausting, tedious, and all-consuming. Senior Bethany Hutchens and junior Andrea Park feel your pain. Over the next few months (and next year, too, in the case of Andrea), they will recount their own experiences with the college admissions process. In this audio podcast, Bethany and Andrea introduce their series.

Latin teacher Krisanna Lucken and eight of her students will tour Italy next week as they get a first-hand look at the legacy of ancient Rome.

"300" has gotten a bad rap at Uni, according to Bethany Hutchens. In fact, the movie is just plain raw. How raw is it? Let her count the ways.

Juniors Shara Esbenshade and Kumars Salehi will travel to Washington, D.C., this weekend for a protest marking the fourth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. [UPDATED]