Explore seriously. Plan realistically.

Start to consider which colleges you may want to apply to in the future. Consider factors, including your potential future career and the academic opportunities related to your possible major. Don't focus on this step too much, just enough to get a rough idea of the academic preparation and activities that interest you.

Consider programs, location, campus life and affordability rather than relying on rankings. Historical GPA and test-score averages are not admission requirements or guarantees.

Building a spike, or extracurricular theme, can be a meaningful part of the college application process. Unlike essays and standardized test scores, preparing for and creating a spike requires potentially years of consistent growth in an area that you are truly passionate about. Pursue activities that are meaningful to you.

There is no required extracurricular formula or guaranteed admissions advantage, and family responsibilities, work and a range of interests can be important too. Spike development should start as early as possible, such as in freshman year. If you haven't developed one yet, it's not too late.

You can begin now by exploring something you genuinely care about; you do not need to manufacture a theme for admission.

At the start of high school, it is vital to get the best grades you can. Work as hard as you can and as hard as you need to in order to build a strong academic foundation for the colleges you might apply to. This will take hard work and determination, but you can do it.

Get good grades early in high school as trying to raise a lower GPA later in junior and senior year is very difficult. Use reported college GPA averages cautiously: high schools use different scales and weighting systems, and an average is not an admissions cutoff. Choose challenging courses you can manage and ask for help when you need it.

Juniors should already have an understanding of standardized tests, specifically the SAT and ACT. The ideal time to begin studying is the summer before junior year; however, if you haven't begun it is ok. Fall of junior year can work as well; choose a schedule that fits your preparation and the colleges’ current requirements.

The role of these tests depends on each college’s current policy for your applicant group and entry year; they are not everything. These tests should be taken seriously, but should not cause unhealthy amounts of anxiety and stress. A study plan and practice can help you prepare, but no score guarantees admission.

Junior year is the year to begin thinking about potential teachers that you could ask for a strong letter of recommendation if your colleges require them. Ask your counselor and potential recommenders about timing in junior year; some schools encourage requests before summer. Colleges set their own recommender requirements.

Teachers who know your recent academic work well can often provide useful detail. If you would like to learn more see our letters of recommendation resources, especially as you prepare for senior year.