Assess your strengths and weaknesses. If your math and science skills are strong, based on your high school marks, you may be admitted directly into an engineering program. Some universities, however, require you to complete your freshman year, and to get good marks in the required areas, before applying.
Find the civil engineering program that suits your needs in terms of location, tuition fees and courses offered. Ask school counselors, friends and family members if they know of any good civil engineering programs.
Narrow your choice to three or four civil engineering programs and apply to all of them. The danger of only applying to one or two is that you may not be accepted and will waste a term trying to find another institution.
Do your research. Find out as much about the program as you can before you start classes. Visit the civil engineering department at the university and ask if they have any materials to help you get started with your program. Also inquire if they can suggest any pre-course readings.
Talk to civil engineers. Prepare a list of question before the interview and focus on what you want to know about the profession and the work it entails.
Arrange finances. Apply for scholarships well in advance and fill out each application properly. No two scholarship forms are the same; Provide the information and materials requested by each.