Obtain an application timeline from the admissions department of the school you wish to attend. This timeline will show you the deadlines for applications, essays, scholarship applications and housing requests. It may also show how they relate to the start of the first term that you will attend. This should be done about 18 months from the start of your first term. If you are a junior in high school, you should consider completing this task during the winter of your junior year.
Examine the timeline. Start preparing your application and writing your essays that may be required for admission. This process should be complete typically by the spring of your junior year. In addition, take all necessary tests that may be required, such as the ACT and SAT, by the end of your junior year of high school.
Send your application and essays to the college by the end of your junior year of high school or the early summer of that year. Pay attention to early and regular admission dates. The earlier, the better when it comes to applying for school.
Schedule a fall trip to the school during the summer between your junior and senior year. You may want to take a tour of the school before making a decision of the school you will attend. It is a good idea to schedule a time to visit the school when it is in session, if possible.
Make a decision about where you will attend college during the fall of your senior year of high school.
Apply for financial aid and find housing during the winter of your senior year. Also, if you plan on working or being involved in on-campus organizations, the winter of your senior year is a good time to apply for those sorts of opportunities.