To prepare yourself for applying to college, you should follow the tips we have provided in our Preparing for College web pages.

But there are a few more things you should do, too, starting no later than your junior year of high school:

ONE: Visit college web sites to learn more about their academic programs, locations, tuition and room & board costs.

TWO: Arrange campus visits through college admissions offices. This lets you experience a college campus, meet current students, check out college facilities, and maybe even sit in on a real college class.

THREE: Work with your high school guidance counselor and family to narrow down your choices of colleges that interest you.

Many factors can influence your decision to apply to a college or not, such as whether they have programs that interest you, the campus size, and location.

Your academic performance in high school will affect the likelihood of being admitted to some colleges, as well. Don't be discouraged! The chances are that there are many colleges that will suit you—just be open-minded and willing to consider alternate choices than just the top 3 or 5 colleges that interest you.

Above all, talk with your high school guidance counselor and family. Let them know which colleges interest you. Together, you can narrow down your choices, arrange campus visits, and get ready for the next step on the Way2Go: THE APPLICATION.

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