What You Should Know About Applying to College

The last two years of high school is an exciting time. In addition to all your school activities, social events, and whatever else you have going on—it’s time to start thinking about applying to college. Regardless of whether you come from a long line of college graduates or you’ll be the first in your family to submit a college application letter—getting the ball rolling can feel overwhelming. These tips will help get you started.

Two women relaxing on a couch using a tablet with a stylus.

Start researching schools early. The sooner you start preparing for college, the better off you’ll be. Take into account things like:

Location. Do you want to spread your wings and move far from home? Do you prefer living near your network of family and friends? Or maybe something in between? Perhaps entirely online? Decide which option sounds the most appealing.
Affordability. Can you cover the tuition? If so, can you afford to live, shop and explore in the area where the school is located?
Academic programs. Does the school have the degree you want to pursue?
Size. Do you prefer small or large classes/campuses?
Housing. Will you live in a dorm, rent a house/apartment with friends, or stay at home?
Campus life. Are there extracurricular activities you’re looking for, like sports, clubs, and intramurals?

Think about what schools are a good fit for you based on the criteria above—maybe type up some notes or create a handy spreadsheet to narrow down your choices. If you’re wondering, “How many colleges should I apply to?” understand that there’s no right number. But some experts say choosing five to eight schools by the end of your junior year is a good idea.

A woman sitting on a couch using a Surface to apply to college.

Visit some of your top choices. Online images and brochures just aren’t enough to get a true “feel” for the school. Instead, take a trip and visit a few of the campuses first hand. Most colleges offer free guided tours where you can learn the ins and outs of campus, get a taste of campus life, and meet some notable student body members. You might find that a school looks great online but isn’t what you’re looking for, or you’ll fall in love with a school that was a little further down your wish list.

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn more

Talk to an admissions counselor. Looking online at a school’s admissions requirements doesn’t always tell the whole story. For instance, you might see that a school requires a 3.0 high school GPA with one or two extracurriculars for admission. However, speaking with an admissions counselor at the school can help you find out how to gain an edge. The counselor might suggest you take a few honors or AP classes, add a math class to your senior schedule, or do some community service. You’ll get excellent insight into extra aspects of your application that can help to set you apart.

“If an Ivy League school is your dream, keep plugging away. If not—no worries! A survey of business leaders found that 91% do NOT think it’s very important where you get a degree.”

Apply early. It helps to be decisive with your applications when applying to college because it shows schools you’re serious about attending. Applying early is one way to show your favorite colleges that they’re among your top picks. Moreover, applying early also means you’ll hear back sooner than those who wait until the deadline.

Apply for scholarships and grants. College tuition costs are no joke these days. Most students can get approved for federal student loans to help with classes, fees, cost of living, etc. But relying solely on student loans can break you financially down the road. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants available everyone can apply for. While you don’t want to devote all of your time to applying for financial aid, finding three or four a week that you can apply for is helpful. Remember that not all financial aid will cover all of your expenses, so there’s nothing wrong with stacking scholarships and grants to supplement one another.

Don’t get discouraged. It’s not likely that you’re going to get into every school you apply for. The national average college acceptance rate is 68%, and some schools have open enrollment, which brings that number up. Have dreams of going to an Ivy League school? Keep in mind, acceptance rates can be a dismal 10% or less. But if an Ivy League school is your dream, keep plugging away. If not—no worries! A survey of business leaders found that 91% do NOT think it’s very important where you get a degree. Only 9% think it’s “very important”, while 37% said it’s only “somewhat important.”

So, be sure to enjoy your last two years of high school, while carving out a little extra time for researching and applying to colleges. That’ll help keep your application process simple, organized, and stress free!