Step 1: Decide what you want in a college

Ask yourself, what's important to you:

• Size
• Location
• Distance from home
• Available majors and classes
• Housing options
• Makeup of the student body
• Available extracurricular activities
• Campus atmosphere

Step 2: Keep an open mind

Stay open to all possibilities. Just because your heart is set on going to a small school in California, doesn't mean a large school in New York wouldn't work for you either.

Step 3: Do your homework

• Talk to your school counselor or teachers
• Contact college admission officials
• Talk to current students
• Visit college campuses
• Attend college fairs
• Visit websites