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Quick Guide to College

We know that applying to college can be a little intimidating, but relax, we’ve worked hard to make the process easy for interested students. Use this list of helpful tips to stay on track.

What Do I Need To Do? and When?

Eight Helpful Steps in Choosing a College

  1. Before making a list of colleges to consider, spend some time putting together a list of the criteria most important to you (location, size, academic programs, campus environment, co-curricular activities, etc.).
  2. If you are thoughtful and thorough in this phase of the process, it will be much easier for you to create your "colleges to explore" list, the next step in your college exploration.
  3. Do not rule out colleges whose names you do not recognize.
  4. Attend college fairs, meet with college representatives visiting your school, read the literature you receive in the mail, talk to your counselor, and use the many great resources available online. Explore lots of options and seek information aggressively.
  5. Visit as many colleges as possible, ask lots of questions, spend as much time as possible at each institution, and, if possible, have your family accompany you.
  6. Your family knows you better than anyone else, thus their observations and opinions may prove very helpful to you (even if you agree on nothing else).
  7. Make sure you send a copy of any final college transcripts to the Registrar's Office. If you have taken any college-level classes in high school through a local college, make sure to have an official copy of your transcript sent to your college of choice as well.
  8. The website below was designed by students for students and features first-person accounts of students who overcame challenges of going to college. It provides information about why to go, how to go, and how to pay for college. logo