How should juniors start preparing for the college process?

I'm a high school junior and I'm trying to get a head start on the college process. What are some things I should be doing now to prepare? Any tips to make it less overwhelming would be super helpful!

Starting early is a wise move, and will definitely make the entire college process less daunting. Here are some strategies you might consider:

1. Understand the Timeline: Begin by understanding the timeline of the college admissions process. CollegeVine has a detailed guide for every grade level that breaks down key tasks.

2. SAT/ACT Prep: Start prepping for the SAT or ACT. Remember, there's a new digital format for the SAT that you might want to familiarize yourself with. Plan to attempt these exams early so you can retake them if needed.

3. Strong Academic Performance: Maintain your focus on achieving strong grades. Your junior year grades are especially important because colleges will look at these marks as a good indicator of your most recent academic performance.

4. Advanced Courses: If possible, enroll in AP or other advanced-level courses that align with your professional goals or personal interests. Remember it's less about how many APs you take and more about the rigor and your performance in those courses.

5. Extracurricular Engagement: Continuously engage in your extracurricular activities. Aim to have 2-3 activities you're highly involved in, rather than many that you're barely involved in.

6. Begin College Research: Start researching colleges. Use tools like CollegeVine's College Search function to look up information about different schools and identify their requirements. This will help you understand what target schools are looking for and how you fit into their profile.

7. Visit Colleges: If possible, plan college visits. Visiting a campus can provide a personally insightful experience that might help you to decide if it's the right fit for you.

8. Start Thinking About Potential Majors: If you haven't already, think about what you might want to study. You don't need a definitive decision, but having an idea can help guide your college search.

9. Financial Aid: Get a general sense of your financial situation. Use net price calculators to estimate your family's Student Aid Index (SAI) to your college education.

Remember, it's more about the journey than the destination. Keep a balanced perspective throughout the process and try to enjoy your high school experience.