Research Schools
This is a vital step towards the application process. You do not want to start a application, only to decide later that you no longer want to apply to that school. Look at safety schools, reaches and ones that fit perfectly to your strengths. Then look at the type of environment you would like and even the essays. Remember, essays take a long time so you do not want to pick a school and start an essay only to decide that you no longer want to apply to that college.
Find your strengths
The most important things is to find your strengths and play to them. After 3 years of high school, you should have a good list of achievements to illustrate to colleges that you are a strong candidate. That you will contribute to the diversity of their school. As soon as possible, start brainstorming ideas so that you can have some things you can write about when it is time to start the application process. Making a list can make writing your essays much easier since you know the types of things that will put you above other applicants and make your application unique. Whether it is a great achievement or a certain extracurricular activity, do not underestimate the impact that it can have on your application. One little thing can make your application stand out.
Time Management
Manage your time between college applications and high school work. Find a strategy that allows you to do both. The college application process will take awhile with the essays, proofreads, letters of recommendation and filling out all the required forms. You will spend countless hours revising your papers. So leave a couple of hours each day or per week to spend on college applications. If you want your essay to be good, leave ample time for others to proofread. Procrastinating will only stress you out as more work piles up.
Take on your stress head on
Starting the application process can seem like a daunting task and it may cause a lot of stress but after you face it, you will learn how to balance your schoolwork with the application process. Trust me, it will be confusing and stressful at first, but once you finish your first application, you will feel much better.