Applying to colleges in your senior year of high school can be an overwhelming experience. Following the right steps will help you succeed in this process. With the right process, applying to colleges can be a rather pleasant experience. Preparations for applying to colleges begin in the spring of eleventh grade. First, find out about college entrance tests. Register early in February or March if you plan to take the ACT or SAT I in April or May. Ask your counselor about SAT II Tests. Second, write for catalogs of colleges and study carefully the different kinds of requirements that may have to be met. Third, review your academic skills with your counselor to see if you need improvement. Fourth, plan a challenging senior program.
             During the summer between eleventh and twelfth grade, continue research on specific colleges through catalogs, talks with informed people, and visits. Also, work during the summer if you can and read as much and as widely as possible. It is important to keep up your skills in English during the summer months. Pick up SAT I and SAT II or ACT test bulletins for dates and test descriptions from the counseling office in September of twelfth grade. Write for any catalogs, applications for admission, and bulletins of information. Review all colleges investigated so far and make a revised checklist of personal preferences. Narrow your choices to just those which are under serious consideration. Write for new catalogs, application materials, and information on financial aid. Plan ahead to have necessary funds for college application expenses. Check senior classes to make sure that they meet college entrance requirements and write first drafts of any college essays required.
             In October, attend college seminars for seniors concerning financial aid, writing college applications, and general college information sessions. Register to take required college entrance tests. Study catalogs thoroughly, comparing with a ch...