The college application process can be an inundating logistics nightmare. Besides all the technicalities of getting your transcripts, standardized testing scores, letters of recommendation, and more to the various universities, you still have to fill out each college application. The CommonApp helps streamline this process, though many colleges still don't use it or have supplements that take a decent amount of time.

As with any logistics problem, take a deep breath, m...

As you're in your earlier years of high school, you might be trying to optimize what you do to be a strong applicant. I believe it's more important to really find your interests in the earlier years and then hone in on them in 10th-11th grade, rather than just trying to do what looks good. I spent a lot of time experimenting with various things in 9th grade before settling on computer science/robotics as the fields that I really got excited about.

It goes without saying that you should build and maintain your GPA throughout all your years, but if you start out low and improve in 10th-11th grade, that's totally cool as well (colleges love to see improvement).

9th grade

Take a deep breath. You're about to embark on a fun ...

The hard part is finally over!

Keep in mind that even though college applications are over, your admission is contingent on your continued academic performance - so don't slack off / do anything that might jeopardize your admission. You worked so hard to get in, so don't do anything to hurt that at the last moment.

We've structured this guide as a list (?) of advice that that will help you figure out how to decide between the various admission offers you have and how you'll pay for it. You can subscribe to these playlists to receive emails reminding you to complete the next item on the playlist. When you're done, simply check off the item!

As always, feel free to ask any questions here, or on any specific guide. Our community of mentors from many of the top colleges are here to help you!