Find your best-fit college—your path starts here

Congratulations on making the decision to go to college. Here are the basic next steps you need to take to get started.

1. Keep up on your schoolwork and reach for the best grades you can.
2. Sign up and take the ACT or SAT.
3. Start considering what you want in a college—location, major programs, athletic programs, school size, etc.
4. Build your list with a mix of safety, reach, and match schools—about 8 to 12 in total.
5. Take campus visits.
6. Understand the different application deadlines and decide which you want to apply under.
7. Get application materials—like recommendation letters and essays—prepared so you are ready to apply to your top colleges.
8. Complete and submit your applications either via the common app or through the college's website.

Once you’ve submitted your college applications, you can sit back for a while and wait for those acceptance letters to come in.

Ready to get started? Sign up for our College Finder to uncover personalized college matches, see your acceptance odds, and more.

When you need to submit your application depends on which application deadline you are applying under. In general, here are the most common application deadlines to keep in mind:

Make sure you understand each type of deadline so you stay organized and don't miss important submission dates.

Once you know when you need to apply, it’s time gather all the important information you’ll need to complete your application. This usually includes:

• College essays or personal statements
• High school transcripts
• ACT or SAT test scores
• Recommendation letters
• List of special awards or honors

Make sure you read through application requirements and take the time to really make yours stand out.

College admissions officers review tons of applications each year. To improve your chances of admission, here are some things you can do to help your college application stand out.

1. Have a strong GPA.
2. Get a high ACT or SAT score.
3. Show a challenging course schedule (like AP classes).
4. Participate in extracurricular activities.
5. Nail your application essay. Your college essay is a great way to show why you are a great candidate for a school, even if your test scores and GPA aren’t as strong as other applicants. A solid essay can really help you shine.
6. Demonstrate leadership qualities.
7. Gather strong recommendation letters. This is another area that can help you stand out when your grades might not.
8. Nail your interview. If your college offers an interview, accept it even if it’s not required. And, make sure you are well prepared to put your best foot forward.

Understanding what colleges look for in students before you apply will help you determine what you need to do to make your college app stand out. While grades and test scores do matter, colleges also want well-rounded, good people. Use your college essay, interview, and recommendation letters to show schools why you are a great fit!

When choosing a college, it’s important to think about what’s most important to you. Consider asking:

• What’s the size of the campus (big or small) and type (private or public, research university or liberal arts)?
• Do you want to live close to home or far away?
• Do you want to go to school in a big city or a smaller town?
• Does the school have your major/minor program?
• What extracurricular activities does the college offer?
• What does the campus culture feel like?
• Does the school have campus resources such as career centers and college advisors that fit your needs?
• What are the school’s safety ratings?
• Can you afford the school or are there more affordable options for you?
• Anything else you consider important.

When you're ready to take the next step, go visit a few campuses and see which ones feel right for you. Be sure to chat with students while you’re there and don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their experiences. Explore the college’s social media channels to get a real sense of student life and what makes each school unique.

Then, start creating your college list with confidence. Use our College Finder to discover schools that match your interests, academic achievements, and goals. Simply share your preferences—grades, test scores, or even your family’s financial needs—and we’ll help find colleges where you can thrive.

Once those acceptance and offer letters start coming in, it’s time to start making some decisions. Here’s how you can narrow your list:

1. Compare offer letters from each school so you can see which college gave you the best deal.
2. Make a pros and cons list. Do each of the schools you’ve been accepted to meet your requirements for campus size, student life, major focus, geo location, or other important factors?
3. Consider another campus visit. Maybe you didn’t get into your top choice. When you are at the campus, does it feel comfortable to you? Can you see yourself there for the next four years?
4. Make a plan to pay. Talk to your family and make sure you are comfortable about affording the college you most want to attend.
5. Make your final decision by May 1—National Decision Day.

See what’s next after you’ve made your final decision.

If you didn’t get into your top choice school, your journey isn’t over—it just may look a little different (and could be even better!). You can:

• Accept another of your accepted college offers. Consider visiting (or revisiting) those schools and talking to current students and alumni.
• Consider attending a community college and try applying to your top choice next year or semester.
• Consider applying to a rolling admissions college.