Where to begin when going to college?

I'm a high school junior planning to head to college and trying to figure out where to start. Do I begin checking out colleges, or should I focus on improving my grades first?

Starting the college planning process can feel overwhelming, so it's good to have a plan and know how to prioritize your time.

First, you should focus on maintaining or improving your academic performance. Your GPA plays a significant role when applying to colleges, and the classes you're taking during your junior year are part of that GPA. Doing well in your classes can demonstrate to colleges your academic capabilities and readiness for college-level courses.

Secondly, it's important to be proactive in your college search. It's perfectly fine to start researching colleges now so you can get an idea of what kind of schools you're interested in. While grades and test scores often indicate what schools might be a reach or a fit, finding a "match" also involves considering factors like campus culture, location, class size, majors offered and more.

Thirdly, consider your extracurricular activities and how you spend your time outside of school. Highly developed specialties, or "spikes," can be attractive to colleges because they demonstrate dedication to a specific interest or skill. Remember, it's quality over quantity!

Lastly, standardized testing is typically another key component of college admissions. You should decide whether you'll take the SAT or ACT, and plan to do so in the spring of your junior year. This would leave the summer and fall for studying and retaking the test if necessary.

Remember, while all these aspects are important, you should always prioritize your wellbeing. College prep is important, but so is balancing it with self-care, hobbies, and time with friends and family. A balanced student life is more sustainable and less stressful. Good luck!