There are many factors and moving parts when prepping for college. You can start as early as sophomore year by taking the ACT or SAT, or all 4 years making sure you have a strong transcript. But the true prep begins junior year.  

You start by taking tours of schools you are interested in, whether that is in person or a virtual tour. There you will learn all about what the school offers. The tour is important because if the tour is not that detailed and good quality, it could be a major reason why you choose a different school. You need to make sure you are learning about the academic side as well as what else they have to offer that might be important to you. Such as Greek life, young life, student government, sports, etc. While doing this, you have your hardest classes and are continuing to take the ACT as many times as possible, prepping for applications and scholarships.  

Applications can start as early as July. You want to apply to as many schools as you are interested in to make sure you have options, especially if you don’t know where you are going yet. Once you apply, the long waiting process begins. While this is going on, you can still take the ACT as a chance to get better scholarships.  

Once you decide and get into your school, things can be different based on the school. You must register for housing, find a roommate or multiple, researching the housing to see what you prefer, visiting the school more to meet the people, register for orientation, and continue to apply for any scholarships you might be applicable for. And don’t forget about the FAFSA. As well as buying things for your dorm.  

From then on, it depends on what you are interested in. If that’s rush, you have to buy certain outfits, build a resume, get recommendation letters from sorority alumni, and more.  

There are many things needed for the college process that this list might not even cover. It is important to do your research and listen to meetings or assemblies when prepping for the next 4-6 years.