DO: TAKE YOUR ACT/SAT TESTS SERIOUSLY

If your previous SAT or ACT test results didn’t meet your expectations, you may still have time to retake the test (or, if you haven’t already taken it, take it for the first time). Although many schools have moved to test optional and test flexible policies, several big-name colleges have re-instated testing requirements, including Brown, Dartmouth, and MIT. No matter where you apply, strong SAT and ACT scores may still have a positive impact on the quality of your application and may also improve your scholarship opportunities. 

DO: RESEARCH COLLEGES ONLINE

Take time to research a variety of colleges online. You’ll be surprised at how much information you can find on a college’s website. Many colleges also provide virtual campus tours and information sessions. These can be great resources if you are interested in a college that you are unable to visit in person.

Use CollegeData’s free College Search to access profiles of more than 2,000 four-year colleges and universities and find important college data all in one place, such as enrollment and class size, acceptance rates, average financial aid awards, academic programs, graduation rates, and more.

DO: LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

While you might be overwhelmed senior year, especially with college applications, don’t forget to search and apply for scholarships. You do not always need top grades or super-human accomplishments to qualify for scholarships. You might be a top candidate based on your hometown, your major, your heritage or even a hobby. CollegeData's free Scholarship Finder features thousands of scholarships totaling over $5 billion offered by private organizations, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

DO: VISIT COLLEGES

Visiting colleges can help you figure out what you want and don’t want in a college. If possible, visit as many colleges as you can before applying and before making your college decision. If time, opportunity, and cost allow, you might also consider visiting a few colleges that you don’t think you’re interested in because you could stumble upon a school that fits you, or at the very least, you might learn what you don’t want. Whether you are visiting virtually or in person, remember to ask lots of questions. 

DO: CONSIDER VARIOUS COLLEGES

Don’t limit yourself to only highly selective or non-competitive colleges. Consider balancing your top college choices with target and safety schools that you would be happy to attend. And make sure to manage your expectations and have a solid back-up plan. Better safe than sorry.

DO: ASK QUESTIONS

Connect with college admissions officers at colleges you want to apply to or learn more about, especially if you have questions. High school guidance counselors and private college counselors are other resources for getting answers to your questions about applying to college.

DO: Complete the FAFSA

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only way to qualify for college financial aid provided by the federal government, including loans. Some schools also require the CSS Profile. This application is used by many private colleges, along with the FAFSA, to determine eligibility for scholarships and grants they provide.

The CSS Profile and the FAFSA become available on October 1 each year. It’s important to complete these forms as soon as possible after they become available and before the financial aid submission deadlines for your colleges.

Do: Set up your online application accounts

If you plan to use the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or a statewide college application, create an account as soon as possible, and get familiar with the application environment, essay questions, and processes for submitting your application and recommendations.

DO: STAY ORGANIZED

Deadlines are everywhere when applying to colleges, and senior year is busy. As a college-bound high school senior, you'll need to balance your high school course load, extracurricular activities and other commitments with preparing for and taking the ACT or SAT, completing your college applications, and writing your application essays. To keep on top of it all, find an organizing tool, such as a calendar or an app, to help you organize and remember important college application dates. See these tips for how to stay organized and complete your college apps on time.

DON’T: PROCRASTINATE

You’re going to want to stay ahead of the game senior year, so don’t put things off. Get started on your applications as early as possible, especially your personal essay. Give your teachers, counselor and other recommenders plenty of time to write and submit your recommendation letters, and try not to fall behind in your classes and other commitments. Putting things off will lead to stress and hastily completed applications that you might regret later. See these tips for avoiding procrastination.

DON’T: POST ANYTHING YOU’LL REGRET

Many college admission officers believe it is fair game to visit applicants’ social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X to help them decide who gets in. To avoid having your social media affect your college admission chances, don’t post anything that is or could be deemed offensive, illegal, inappropriate or even questionable.

DON’T: BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

You probably have lots of questions about college. It’s always okay to ask for help, regardless of what the problem or question may be. Reach out to your parents, counselors, teachers, friends, and acquaintances. Talk to people who are currently attending college and have recently completed the college admissions process. College admission reps are another great resource. They not only are there to answer your questions but also want to get to know you and help you find the right college.

You might also consider searching online for free or low cost college counseling resources, such as College Essay Guy’s Matchlighters program, or the College Board’s virtual college advising program. And don't forget CollegeData’s Resources page, which includes hundreds of blog posts about applying and paying for college as well as college admission stories from real students.

DON’T: Catch Senioritis

Once you’ve been admitted to college, you still need to keep up with your schoolwork, do well on exams, and satisfy your graduation requirements. A college can rescind your offer of acceptance if your senior year grades drop dramatically, or if you are convicted of a crime, expelled from school or lied on your application. Watch your behavior, keep up your grades, and don't get into any serious trouble.

DON’T: WORRY TOO MUCH

If you’re not careful, senior year stress can get the best of you. Too much stress isn’t healthy for anyone. Try your best to keep calm and remember that although applying to college may feel confusing and scary at times, attending college holds many new and exciting opportunities. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed, and it’s also okay to take some time to do a few things you enjoy.

DON’T: FORGET TO ENJOY YOUR LAST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL

Senioritis may be real, but graduation day comes and goes quickly. Don’t forget to enjoy your time with your friends and take part in senior activities. This is your last year of high school. Make the most of it!