Freshman & Sophomore Years

Figure out what you like. Take a variety of classes and participate in a mix of extracurriculars. For example, take art classes, participate in the science fair or try out for the football team. Participating in these activities during high school will give you a chance to determine what you enjoy. And the more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to apply for college.

Evaluate your activities and talents. If you are a good writer, contribute to the school paper. If you are the star of the basketball team, coach elementary school kids during the off-season. What you are good at now may have the makings of a career.

Volunteer. Join a service club like the Leos—the younger generation of the Lions—or go on a mission trip with your youth group. Not only will you have a blast, but you will also catch the attention of college admissions officers who often look for community-oriented students.

Junior Year: Fall

Meet with your high school guidance counselor. Talking to a counselor can help you focus your interests. Ask him or her if there are any career tests that you can take to help you narrow down your options. As you attempt to identify a good fit for your interests and talents, you may discover a job that you didn't even know existed.

Start dreaming about the perfect college. Would you like to live in the city, in the suburbs, near home or in a different state? What colleges offer your prospective major? What size school would you like to attend?

Junior Year: Winter

Compile a list of colleges. Your guidance counselor should be able to help you find more details about your prospective colleges, such as their class ratios and cost of tuition.

Take the ACT or SAT. Check with a guidance counselor to see which test each school requires. Registration for the tests usually costs $30 to $40.

Begin attending college fairs. Sign up with your counselor to meet college admissions representatives when they visit your school. Also ask about college fairs in your area.

Junior Year: Spring

Narrow down your college choices. Focus on your top three colleges. If you haven't already, call the admissions office at each one for more information.

Plan college visits. Many colleges offer tours during the school year. While these can be helpful, you also need to do some exploring of your own in order to get a more realistic view of the college. Meeting students at lunch or in classes is the best way to find out what a college is really like. Also be sure to talk to professors in your prospective major and check out student housing options.

Junior Year: Summer

Write out a deadline schedule. Determine the application, essay and financial aid deadlines for your top three schools. If your choices require interviews, begin making appointments.

Senior Year: Fall

Take challenging classes. Don't let "senioritis" set in. Go the extra mile and enroll in advanced or AP classes. Depending on the college you choose, you may be able to get college credit for these classes.

Ask teachers, employers and pastors to write recommendations for you. Most applications require recommendations. Ask your parents or guidance counselor for advice if you are unsure of whom to ask. Give each person at least one month to write the recommendation.

Visit any prospective colleges that are far from home. If you have to travel far to make visits, talk with your parents in advance about travel arrangements.

Begin thinking about your application essays. Start the brainstorming process by reflecting on your passions, aspirations and interests.

Send in transcripts. Ask your guidance counselor to send your transcript to your prospective schools.

Apply early. Some colleges have an early application deadline that will allow you to know a little sooner whether or not you've been admitted. Applying by these earlier deadlines often waives some application fees.

Senior Year: Winter

Have a teacher read over your essays. Ask him or her if they represent you well.

Send off your college applications. Plan on spending around $50 per college. Make sure that you include everything in each envelope, such as your essay, letters of recommendation, application and application fee.

Senior Year: Spring

Evaluate the schools that have accepted you. You should receive a financial aid package a few weeks after acceptance. Decide if cost is the top priority for you.

If you can, make another visit to these colleges. Use these visits to help you make a decision. Can you see yourself walking through the halls of the academic buildings and sitting in the stadium during football games? Does the school's statement of faith and philosophy of education match your own?

Decide.

Accept your financial aid. Make sure you sign and date any forms, and send them in by the correct deadline.

Decline admission to other schools. This opens up a seat for another student.

Summer after Graduation

Send in your housing deposit. Most schools ask for the deposit in the summer.

Be aware of your freshman orientation dates. This is a time for you to meet your academic advisor and register for classes. You will also meet your future classmates, so start preparing in advance for this important time—before the lazy days of summer sneak away from you.