Step 1                                                                                                                     Step 4    

        Think about why you want to go to college.                                             Research and compare schools .        

        ۰ Career preparation                                                                                         ۰ Make a checklist to compare pros and cons to each school

        ۰ Learning opportunities                                                                               ۰ Make campus visits

        ۰ Personal goals                                                                                                  ۰ Select a school that meets your needs and preferences

        ۰ Extracurricular activities                                                                              

        ۰ Opportunity to make new friends                                                                  Step 5

                                                                                                         Make your decision.

        Step 2                                                                                                 ۰ Make a final visit to your top two choices

        Decide what is important to you in a school.                                                    ۰  Talk with your parents and counselors

        ۰ Type of school                                                                                                   ۰ Select a school that meets your needs and preferences

        ۰ Academic programs and degrees offered

        ۰ Location and size                                                                                                Step 6

        ۰ Costs and financial aid                                                                                    Comply with all deadlines.

        ۰ Academic reputation                                                                                        ۰ Admission and housing applications

        ۰ Sports or extracurricular activities                                                               ۰ Required institutional fees

                                                                                                                                             ۰ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

        Step 3                                                                                                                           and other financial aid forms

            Get information about the schools you are considering.

        ۰ Libraries

        ۰ College representative, catalogs, electronic view books,

               websites, and bulletins

        ۰ High school counselor and teachers                                                                                                                Checklist for Juniors & Seniors

        ۰ Internet sources, directories, and CD-Roms

        ۰ Working professionals

Taken from the Maryland Higher Education Commission 2007 Fact Sheet