I'm a junior in highschool and I have no idea where to start when applying to colleges. Do I apply to multiple, when should I start applying, and how do I decide what colleges to apply to?
In addition to the answer already given, to decide what colleges to apply to, CollegeVine is a great tool. Go to the "Schools" list and look through the filters. See what matters to you and then use the filters. The schools that pop up will likely be a good match for you.
You should start applying around December or January, your senior year. Always apply to multiple.
(You can skip this if you already know about Safety, Target, and Reach) You should apply to 2 colleges with high acceptance rates, then 3-5 that have around 60-40% acceptance rates.
If you don't know what colleges to apply to, ask yourself a few questions to aid in your search. "With financial aid, what's the highest tuition I can afford?" "What career path am I considering that requires me to go to college?" "Am I going to make enough money in that career to justify going to college?" "How far am I willing to go from home?" "What type of educational system do I like?"
ALSO, you can just go to your local community college!!! Going to a local community college will show you if college is the right path for you. Community colleges are cheap, and you can still get a degree. I recommend community college if you're unsure of your career path. However, you should consult your counselor and family before making any decisions for more personalized help. Don't just take my advice, see for yourself.
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