Topics include how to share hobbies that are not official groups or clubs, finding full-need schools, college interviews, the cost of admissions applications, and applying to out-of-state colleges. …

Steps include finalizing your list, getting your letters of recommendation, finishing your essay, making sure you've sent official test scores, meeting with your school counselor, and hitting submit. …

Use this tool to keep track of school names, admissions deadlines, required standardized tests (if any), required financial aid applications, financial aid deadlines, and notes.…

Before you designate one college as your ultimate dream school, consider if it's realistic, if the school has programs you are interested in, if the school can provide you with the resources needed to succeed, if you'll be satisfied in the long run, and if it's the right financial fit. …

Take the PSAT, visit college campuses, determine your high school course plan, know what AP & IB classes and extracurricular activties to take, find out GPA requirements, take to family members about their college experiences, and talk with your family about college payment expectations.…

Take advantage of the guidance that school counselors provide by attending events they host, being proactive and initiating a conversation with them, and having them write a letter of recommendation that puts personality and dimension behind the student's grades. …

Get an early start on tasks like evaluating testing plans, visiting college campuses, finalizing a balanced college list, preparing recommendations, writing the college essay, designing a financial plan, starting applications, preparing for interviews, and fulfilling any specific requirements…

Andrew Carter encourages parents to begin the college search process by thinking about the qualities and skills they want their son or daughter to have in order to be successful when they begin their college career and laying out these goals in a list.…

To successfully navigate college fairs, prepare beforehand, map it out, connect with admissions representatives, and be open to new schools.…

Gap years often teach participants a skill, and can either require a fee or earn the participant money.…