Applying for college is about more than just grades. Applying for college is about promoting yourself as a potentially valuable part of the community on campus and being ready to gain the college degree you choose. When you are filling out applications for college, keep that in mind.
First, there are a few dos and don'ts for your last year of high school:
Do look into what financial aid is open to you at the school you are thinking about attending. It may very well be the ideal school, but are you going to be able to pay for it? Figure out what type of student loans you could qualify for and start preparing for it as early as possible. Can you get a scholarship? What about education grants? Do you need to check out student loans in an effort to pay for your education?
If you're signed up to take Advanced Placement or AP classes offered by your school, make sure you take the AP exams. If you get a chance to take Advanced Placement exams without the class, the money you will spend on them is inconsequential, and very much worth the gamble. Furthermore, taking a CLEP test can help get you admitted to the school of your choice and save money on tuition.
Continue to do well in your high school classes. While academics and grades aren't the sole admission requirement, they're an important segment of the admission process. If you are a home schooled student, take time to consult the colleges or universities that you're interested in and see what they are going to need as confirmation for passing classes such as Civics and Chemistry.
Do get some letters of recommendation from your guidance counselor, your boss, teachers, and anyone that you do extracurricular or after school activities for. Make certain you provide you with a decent amount of time to write the letters, and bear in mind that letters of recommendation aren't the easiest things in the world to write. You should also provide them with a stamped and addressed envelope to send them along.
Do take your SAT and ACT exams at the beginning of the school year. In particular, if you don't feel like you did well enough, give yourself the time to take them a second time in January. These college related tests are very important in deciding which college you can attend. Some universities or colleges also will require that you send them your first semester grades to check up on your process for application.
Do take the time to work out the list of possible colleges you would like to attend. You should incorporate safe schools on the list, as well as reach colleges and academic challenge colleges. Do your homework and obtain as many college information resources about the institution that you are thinking about applying for. You shouldn't ever be afraid to go for the top end colleges or universities. There is little to lose by applying. Buy a calendar or planner and write down the application deadlines for each institution.
Begin developing your essay for admissions early. This admissions essay is the only opportunity you'll get to say, in your words, why you should be attending this college. Use the admission essay to discuss 2 or 3 things you have done you are proud of, and relate those things to how you'd interact in the university or college community. Feature the things you are bringing to the school, that go beyond tuition. Make sure your admission essay is read and re-read multiple times, prior to mailing it in. Include it with any recommendation letters from instructors and advisors. Ultimately, the essay is your job interview for being a university student, so be sure you make it as perfect as you possibly can.
And now, the don'ts. Do not be tempted by senioritis. Make sure you attend all of your classes in your final semester of high school; this is something college admission boards screen for, because students who get senioritis are likely to become lazy students in college as well.
You shouldn't worry too much if something does not work out like you think it should. Leave yourself some time to try things again. The only thing you can not do over is send off an application out after the deadline has passed. Do not ignore submission deadlines.