Designed for students, parents, and counselors, this timely work addresses the present state of affirmative action in higher education after the landmark decision of Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger. Informative chapters provide an overall understanding of the history of affirmative action in higher education in the United States, pointers to students on writing the crucial application essay, and discussion of the "percentage plan" states. Other chapters explore financial and student aid, historically black colleges and universities, and advice for veterans returning to school. Resource chapters include lists of print and nonprint sources for further research and reading. "Affirmative Action Now" lends understanding to the current practice of affirmative action in undergraduate, graduate, and professional school admissions. Concrete suggestions, including 15 rules to consider when applying for admission will provide a leg up to the attentive student. In addition, detailed appendices provide an Affirmative Action Application Checklist along with other helpful data. Students, families, and counselors will find a goldmine of useful information and practical advice in this accessible guide.