Average scores on the ACT (similar to the SAT) declined this year, even though more students who took the college entrance exam proved to be prepared for college, according to a report just released.

Amid cautions from college admissions officers who say they value thoughtfulness and contemplation in the applications they consider, some students are racing the clock to submit theirs as early as possible, in hopes a “first-in, first-accepted” dynamic exists.

Members of Bowdoin’s Class of 2014 have received their roommate assignments and in many cases have already gone online to scope out the person with whom they’ll be sharing space. Facebook provides the profile, Google Earth, the glimpse into his or her backyard. Technology is also out in front of the process, helping to match students using online compatibility surveys.