Getting Into College: How to Apply

Applying to College or University

Getting Into College

You need to start thinking about college early in high school. By your junior year of high school, you should have begun the process of identifying schools you want to attend. Start by creating a list of schools that offer the program(s) you are most interested in, then narrow that list down based on location, price, value, and any other criteria that apply to your unique situation.

By the time you get to your senior year, you should have a clear idea of what schools you are interested in attending. You can then begin the process of applying to your school or schools of choice (generally in November of that year). You might be applying as early as September, however, if you are applying for early decision or early action.

Throughout your senior year, you need to keep track of a series of steps, including:

Don't forget that the process of applying for financial assistance to help you pay the costs of attending your school of choice is a separate process altogether. This begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should complete your FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1 so you can get the results to the schools you are interested in attending in time to meet their state aid deadlines.

Below is a generic timeline to use as a guide as you progress through your senior year. Mark the key dates on your calendar so you can keep track of what you need to accomplish and when each task needs to be started and completed. Many schools have their own "timeline" or "important dates" information keyed more closely to the academic programs and financial assistance opportunities they offer. You can use the timeline on this site, in conjunction with the school's, to give yourself a more complete picture of the tasks you will need to accomplish.