Most college admissions directors require either your ACT or SAT scores as part of your application package. During your sophomore or junior year, you should meet with your guidance counselor to discuss places where these tests are offered in your city and how to register to take them. Purchase study guides and attend any classes in your city that will prepare you for success on these tests.
Another part of applying to college is getting letters of recommendation from teachers and other professionals who know you well. When asking for recommendation letters, be sure you give the teachers enough time to write them before the application's due date. Also, provide the teachers some extra information about yourself, such as your extracurricular activities and career goals.
Meet with your guidance counselor and discuss any current scholarships or grants that are currently being awarded to high school juniors and seniors. Then take the list the counselor gives you and apply for these scholarships. You can also apply for federal government aid, such as Pell grants and student loans, by visiting the FAFSA website (see Resources).
Because many colleges accept students who hold a certain grade point average, you want to maintain good grades while in high school. If you've been struggling with a certain subject such as math or science, meet with your teacher or a tutor in your community for two or three days a week to improve in the subject. You can also get books from the school library for extra help.