There are plenty of good colleges. But just because a college is popular among your friends or highly ranked by a magazine doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for you.

Hanging out with your high school friends can be part of college, but it shouldn’t be the focus. Attending a college just for the comfort of your friends and the parties that will ensue is a quick path to dropping out. Similarly, just because a college has a prestigious basket weaving major doesn’t mean you will feel comfortable on campus.

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Colleges want students that are prepared for higher education coursework. The closest match for most high school students are the Advanced Placement courses, commonly called AP classes.
AP courses have earned their reputation as challenging, time-intensive classes. These classes add another challenge to an already difficult schedule of high school and college preparation. There are, however, several reasons why AP classes are worth the effort.

1. Drive. AP courses are usually equivalent to college freshman-level classes. College admissions counselors love to see AP courses on your transcript because they demonstrate your desire to succeed at the college level. Even if you don’t ace the tests colleges will still admire the effort – and guts – these tough classes take.

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College Search Overview for Beginners
By Phillip Walters

Almost as soon as high school begins students turn their attention to the college admissions process. There are plenty of places to turn for help – from counselors to older siblings and parents – but the college search can be overwhelming. Taking the first step can seem unachievable.

The following tips aren’t the end all. They are only the tip of a vast iceberg. But having a good overview of the process give you an idea of where to start, how to plan and what steps you should take when. The college admissions process can only be navigated by planning and having clear expectations of what’s ahead.

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