I’m only beginning freshman year. Is it crazy to start looking at colleges already?
absolutely yes.
Yes. Enjoy high school!
High school in general and freshman year is particular is all about developing study skills and forming interests. Focusing on these areas naturally prepares you for getting in and succeeding in college and life.
Nope, I started looking in the 7th grade. Eventually got me into MIT, Berkeley, UCLA, USC.
Yes, but not too early to start thinking about what you might want to study in college, taking extra courses and ECs t to either gain knowledge in what you’re interested in or to explore and find out what you like. Focus on that in your HS years (and your grades) and you’re likely to get into a good college that matches your interests.
It also is not to early to start the “how we are going to pay for college” conversation with your parents. If they don’t have $300,000 stashed away in a secure college savings fund for you (and very few families do), then yes there is talking to be done. They will whine and fuss and pout and claim that it is too early, but hold them to the task. There have been a lot of changes since they were in college. For one thing, each college and university website has a Net Price Calculator that will give you all a notion of what your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be. Offer up some adult beverages and a box of very soft tissues (crying has been known to be involved), and help them run the NPCs for a few places that they are familiar with. Then point them to the Financial Aid Forum here where they can share their misery with parents who’ve been through the process.
Wishing you all the best!
I wouldn’t focus on thigh colleges you want to apply to. Focus on how you’ll be affording a high ranked private education, keep keeping your GPA up, and take boys of things that look great on your resume.
Volunteer in something meaningful
Take ECs related to your future major
If you get a job, try to have it close to your major. Filing papers at say a doctors office would look better than being a waiter if you want to be a doctor.