Question

May the first is an important date in the college admission process in the United States. This is the last day for high school seniors to accept or reject offers of admission in the fall. But according to a recent report, there is a great change. Acceptance rates at the top colleges this year were lower than ever.  1.       

These days, college applicants are applying to more colleges because online and common applications make the process easier.  2.          On the other hand, deciding students for top colleges to accept can be difficult because it takes much time. Students may not like being put on waiting lists. Also, common colleges work more to get the students they accept to accept them. Some colleges hold visiting days that offer a chance to attend classes and stay overnight. Some universities send gifts.  3.        .

For many families, the most important thing colleges can do is to show them the money, especially this year; the weak economy makes parents nervous.  4.        . The recent problems that spread from the housing market to credit markets have even affected student’s loans. So lately, top schools have to spare lots of money to increase their financial aid for students.

  5.         . The Education Department expects the number of high school graduates to start to go down. This will happen as the last of the children of the baby boom generation finishes high school. The number is not expected to start rising again until 2015.

A. Besides, top colleges are facing changes in the population.

B. What contributes to it?

C. But a mistake can be costly if it happens.

D. But top colleges ignore them.

E. They have international students who know English.

F. It can mean several acceptances to choose from.

G. They cannot afford college as planned.

Answer

1.B

2.F

3.D

4.G

5.A

【解析】

试题分析：本文介绍了现在美国大学录取情况。大学报名可以是网上报名或者普通的报名方式也行；一些大学采取给学生送礼物的方法来吸引生源；有的学校则采取拿出经费给学生作为补贴的方式来吸引生源。总之各个大学都采取的不同的方式尽量招收更多的生源。

1.考查的是上下文的语境理解能力。从空前面Acceptance rates at the top colleges this year were lower than ever.得知B项（是什么造成了这种情况？）正确，顶尖院校的录取率今年比以往任何时候都低。It 代指前面的情况。故选B。

2.考查的是上下文的语境理解能力。从空前面看These days, college applicants are applying to more colleges because online and common applications make the process easier. 目前，大学申请者正在申请更多的大学因为网上和普通的申请使这一过程更容易。空后一句的意思是：另一方面，决定顶尖大学的学生能接受有时会很难因为需要花很多时间。得知F项（这意味着有几个申请可以从中选择。）正确。故选F。

3.D 考查的是上下文的语境理解能力。从空前面看Some universities send gifts.一些大学寄送礼物。看接下来应该是：但是顶尖的大学却忽视这一切。所以D项正确。

4.G 考查的是上下文的语境理解能力。从空前面看the weak economy makes parents nervous.虚弱的经济使家长（经济）很紧张。由此判断此处需要的句意是：他们不能如期支付大学的费用。所以G项正确。

5.A 考查的是上下文的语境理解能力及主题句的概括能力。空后的The Education Department expects the number of high school graduates to start to go down. 意为：教育部预测高中生的数量开始下降。由此判断此处需要的句意是：而且顶尖的大学正面临着人数的变化 。所以A 项正确。

考点：信息匹配。