<p>Hopefully you are a junior and have some time. You need to assess your counselor situation, they need to understand ED EA ect and what a profile application is (if financial aid is going to be a consideration)</p>
<p>Being from a school that has had numerous successful previous students at a particular school has its advantages, so does coming from a geographically unique situation. You may require some additional help with getting letters of rec that will support you, and you will need to monitor deadlines to make sure they are met.</p>
<p>In some public schools, the guidance office helps people select which state or community college to attend and have no expertise in tougher schools. A college called my daughters high school and the counselor there was not prepared to talk about her as a student, although he knows her well as a community leader, I think he lost a chance for a sale, but hopefully he did no harm. I suggested my daughter call the school to answer their questions.</p>
<p>Does your school offer challenging classes and how are you doing with them is an important consideration. If your school offerring is slim, consider taking a college class over the summer. Good luck.</p>