What's the first step in the college application process?

I'm a junior and super overwhelmed by everything related to the college application process. What's the very first step I should take to get started and stay organized?

The very first step in the college application process is self-reflection and understanding your interests, goals, and what you're looking for in a college. Are you interested in studying liberal arts or are you leaning more towards STEM? Do you prefer a bustling urban environment or a serene and enclosed campus? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine what kind of schools you want to apply to.

Once you have a basic understanding of your interests and preferences, start building a preliminary list of colleges that fit these criteria. A balanced list would include reach, match, and safety schools - reach schools are highly selective colleges where your chances of acceptance are lower, match schools where your academic credentials fall within the school's average range, and safety schools where your credentials exceed the school's average and you stand a good chance of admission.

As part of your research, utilize resources like CollegeVine's school search tool, which gives you comprehensive stats about each school in terms of student profiles, majors offered, and campus lifestyle. Also, take note of each application deadline (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, etc.), as keeping track of these is crucial to staying organized.

Moreover, consider scheduling and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT if the colleges on your list require them. This has become less common overall but some schools have reinstated this requirement for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Once you have your list and have begun test prep if necessary, you can start focusing on each college's specific application requirements. This could mean essays, recommendation letters, portfolios, or interviews. Prioritize the applications based on their deadlines, starting with the earliest ones.

Lastly, be organized and maintain a timeline or a to-do list to keep track of tasks and deadlines. This streamlined approach can make the process more manageable. Remember, take one step at a time - it is a process that requires both time and thought. Good luck!