Think about the type of campus that matches your personality and preferences (small vs. large, urban vs. rural, close to home vs. far away, two-year vs. four-year, etc.)
Make a list of the academic and extracurricular programs that are important to you
Use online college search engines and college websites to narrow down your choices, paying attention to how well your academic profile matches students who are admitted to the college/university
Attend local college fairs and college nights to speak with admissions representatives
Talk with your family and friends who are already in college and see if you can visit them during a weekend
Visit college campuses (ideally when classes are in session so you experience real campus life) and see which ones offer the right “fit”
In addition to speaking with admissions representatives, also ask to speak with someone in financial aid so you can begin planning college expenses
If you know your major area of interest, ask to speak with a dean or professor in that area
Make sure you speak with current students, since no one will give you a more authentic impression of what the college is like, especially about residence halls and meal plans
Check with the colleges/universities in which you are interested to see which entrance exams are required, if any
Develop a realistic list of college choices to which you expect to apply
Think about what type of program you would like to pursue (Certificate vs. Degree)
It’s never too late to decide to attend college, but be mindful of individual college/university application deadlines and fees (fees are often waived for low-income families)
Speak with your high school counselor about your college plans
Make a list of colleges to which you will apply and their application due dates
Consider using the “2-3-2” rule to narrow your list to two “reach” colleges (your academic performance is below the median GPA and entrance exam scores), three “safe” colleges (your academic performance is at the median for GPA and entrance exam scores), and two “sure bet” schools (where your academic performance is above the median for GPA and entrance exam scores)
Know the application requirements for the colleges to which you will apply
If an essay is required, write your essay and ask a teacher or counselor to help you proofread it
Ask teachers, coaches, advisors, and/or supervisors for recommendations to accompany your college and scholarship applications
Make sure your high school counselor sends required secondary school recommendations and your transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores to the colleges to which you are applying
Schedule admission interviews, which might be required for some private schools and honors programs
Submit your applications, which are mostly online, but paper applications are also available as are services like the “Common Application” that allow you to apply to multiple colleges by filling out one form
Talk to your parents and families about financial aid, scholarships, and paying for college
After October 1 of your senior year of high school, sit down with your parents or family and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for student aid
Search for scholarships online and ask your high school counselor about local scholarship opportunities
Review and be sure you understand your financial aid offers, including how much of your financial aid package contains scholarships and grants (which you do not need to repay) and loans (which must be repaid by you and/or your parents/guardians)
Ask your colleges or universities for help if you still have unmet need
When you make your final college choice, double-check deadlines for sending in your required deposit, housing application, and any other forms required by the school; many schools will ask you to make your college choice by May 1
Once you have made your decision, let the other schools know that you will not be attending
Pay close attention to all communications from your college since they will contain important information to help you transition successfully into college
Participate in new student orientation with your family