<p>Come up with a list of what you want in a college. Look for schools strong in your particular area of study. After visiting some ones in your local area, you can decide what you like in a school. A large one? Small one? Urban? Rural? Greek Life? Location? Etc. Then start with a list. Come up with safety schools, ones that you are 100% you can get into and afford, and build up from there, choosing colleges that imrpove upon them. Then discuss with your parents what they can afford, based on calculating the cost through the net cost calculator on most college websites. Start this summer and continue your research on all your colleges. Do interviews on your visits if your schools offer them.</p>