I'm not sure what I should be doing

<p>Okay....so i'm a rising senior, and aside from enjoying the summer, working, volunteering, etc..I realize I need to be working on "college-related" stuff. But I'm just not sure what I should be focussing on. Hearing about people on these boards who have already completed their essays and whatnot has made me kind of nervous. </p>

<p>So right now.. I have my list of schools in mind and I have a general idea of what I want to do in college. Where should I go from there?</p>

<p>Visit your colleges. Collect more information about them. Start the application process (essays). Check what is required for application (which tests, how many recommendations, interviews, deadlines, etc). Decide which teachers you will ask for references. Find out how your school handles transcript and reference requests. Discuss with your parents how to pay for college. Find out what each college requires for financial aid. Research scholarships. Register for SAT/SAT2/ACT, if necessary. Have scores sent to your colleges.</p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>haha that's quite a hefty list</p>

<p>Yeah, there's a lot to do. Try to get as much done this summer - you will be very, very busy when your senior year starts.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>College visitations should be done when school is in, I think. You see a bit more because of this.</p>

<p>College visitations should be done when school is in, I think. You see a bit more because of this. </p>

<p>Definitely think about teacher recs. Don't wait too long, because teachers get swamped senior year, though you may wait to see if any senior year teachers really like you. </p>

<p>Yeah, register for SAT's, strongly suggest that.</p>

<p>Getting a list of colleges to apply to or visit should be the first thing. Drawing up a resume is the second one, log all your activites, etc. Finalize your list, start writing essays, and figure what you need to do to apply. </p>

<p>Don't be nervous, you have plenty of time, you can be like me and start applications in November and still be fine. It's just that you have tons of free time right now, and you should use it so that the school year is far more enjoyable and stress-free.</p>