It is time to go to college! This is an exciting period in anyone's life, but it can also be daunting and confusing. If you follow the next four steps, you will be well prepared for this arduous task, and, hopefully, gain admission to the university at the top of your list.

Step 1:

Competition in terms of top tier universities has become increasingly challenging over the years. To improve your chances of being accepted by your first choice, you will need to stand out in the eyes of the admission committee. The best way to stand out is to have a high Grade Point Average (G.P.A.). Although it may be nice to take several AP (Advanced Placement) classes, it is more important to have a high G.P.A. If you have the opportunity to take an AP high school class, you had better do well, and pass the AP examination at the end of the year, or your efforts will not be recognized.

You will need to have participated in community service activities or/and taken an internship in your desired field. Universities like students to be proactive in their own educations. Early exposure to the real world and to your desired career displays to the admission committee that you are serious about your education. Universities want a guarantee that you will complete your education, and graduate on time in 4 years; you need to show the admission committee that, if admitted, you will graduate, and become a productive member of society.

You will need to write a strong admission essay. Select a topic that you have extensive knowledge; do not try to impress the reader. Provide personal anecdotes, be concise to avoid redundancy, and present your ideas and opinions logically. You should have your parents and peers read over your essay; another option is to hire a professional proofreading company:

• http://www.papercheck.com/
• http://www.proof-reading.com/

Before you even start to create a list of top universities, you will need to take the SAT or ACT (see the college-profiles.com article on which exam to take) in your junior year of high school. It is essential that you study and prepare for the exam of your choice. Do not take these examinations lightly; they will help to determine which university accepts you. You will need to prepare a minimum of two months for either the SAT or ACT.

Most universities use your SAT/ACT score to determine how you will perform over the next 4-years in college. In addition, each university wants to enhance its reputation in the academic community. As a consequence, each one would like to accept students who score the highest on the entrance examinations; this is their way of improving the academic quality of those in the application pool. Increasing the quality of the application pool leads to their being able to attract better qualified research professors and faculty members.

Step 3:

You will need to determine your fiscal budget. If you need to borrow money from the college which you will be attending, the first place you will need to go is http://www.fafsa.edu.gov/. This is the free site provided by the U.S. Department of Education. There are several sites with very similar names, each of which charges what is called a "reasonable fee." There is no need for these services; they are trying to skim money from college students. They take the information which you provide, and submit it via the http://www.fafsa.edu.gov/ website on your behalf. Your budget will help you to determine to which universities to submit an application. You can find free scholarship information at http://www.fastweb.com/; remember: you should never pay for information on scholarships or financial aid information. Financial aid information is free and abundant on the Internet: Google Search.

Step 4:

You will need to sort your list of colleges into 3 categories: stretch, first choice, and backup universities. A stretch university is a college that accepts applicants with higher test scores and GPA, and more work experience/community service than you may have. It is important to apply to these universities sparingly, and be realistic about your chances of acceptance. It can be expensive to apply to these colleges; Stanford University, for example, charges $75 to process an application.

First choice colleges are universities to which you have a good chance of being accepted. The typical applicant to one of these schools has test scores, GPA, and work experience/community service that are similar to yours. Apply to as many of these universities as you would like, but only if you are willing to attend one of them, if admitted. There is no need to apply to schools that you have no intention of attending.

Backup universities are exactly that; they are not your first choice or a stretch school. You will want to limit your submitted applications, and make sure you exceed the test scores, GPA, and work experience/community service of the typical applicant. You always want a backup plan, in case the admission standards at your first choice universities have increased. You can always transfer from one university to another, but you will have a better chance of being accepted from a 4-year university than from a junior college.