Feeling intimidated or worn out by the college application process? We can help!
Applying for college can feel like being buried under an avalanche of paperwork — and having a deadline for digging yourself out.
Fortunately, applying to college doesn't have to be overwhelming. By researching schools and understanding the process, you can submit your applications before the deadline.
Our guide walks through how to apply for college, step by step — from choosing schools to hitting submit.
1. Consider what you want to major in.
You don't have to declare a major in your first year, but knowing your areas of interest will help you choose a college. For example, if you're interested in marine biology, apply to schools with marine biology programs.
If you know exactly what you want to study, research colleges with a strong reputation in that field. And if you're undecided, consider schools that offer majors in diverse areas, like the schools featured in our best online colleges[1] list.
2. Decide what colleges you want to apply to.
The College Board recommends applying to five to eight colleges[2]. Some students apply to even more schools. But how do you decide where to apply?
Consider your academic record and compare it with admitted students at your prospective schools.
Many students apply to "safety schools" — where their GPA and standardized test scores exceed the averages — along with schools that match their record and admit a high percentage of applicants.
You should also consider applying to "reach" schools. These are competitive schools you'd love to attend but where your GPA and test scores match or are slightly below average. Avoid only applying to reach schools to increase your odds of an admission offer.