How to Plan for College Without Losing Your Mind: Tips for High School Students

By: Maia Tasker

Published: January 15, 2025

Picture this: It's a bright fall afternoon, and you're in your school's library. Everyone around you is buzzing about SAT scores, college essays, and whether their dream school has a good dining hall. Meanwhile, you're trying to decide if it's worth applying to that one school in Alaska just for the adventure. College planning can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But don’t panic! With a bit of planning and a lot of laughs, you can tackle the process like a pro.  

Step 1: Start Early, but Don’t Freak Out  

You don’t have to figure out your entire life at 16. Start small. Research schools that match your interests (and maybe have better weather than Alaska, unless you're into that). Make a list of things you want in a college: good programs, cool extracurriculars, or proximity to your favorite pizza joint. Starting early gives you breathing room, so you're not sprinting to the finish line senior year.  

Step 2: Embrace Your Inner Detective  

Think of choosing a college like picking a Netflix show—except this decision lasts four years (and costs a lot more). Visit campuses if you can. Can’t visit? Take virtual tours. Talk to current students or stalk their college Instagram page (in a non-creepy way). These little clues help you figure out where you’ll thrive.  

Step 3: Get Cozy with Deadlines  

Deadlines are like that one friend who’s always on time: annoying but necessary. Write down all the important dates—application deadlines, scholarship cutoffs, test registration. Put them in your phone, on your fridge, or tattoo them on your arm (okay, maybe not that last one). Just don’t let them sneak up on you.  

Step 4: Nail the Application Essays  

Writing a college essay isn’t like writing a book report on The Great Gatsby. It’s a chance to share you. Are you passionate about baking the perfect cookie? Did you survive a family road trip from heck? Be authentic, and don’t stress about sounding “impressive.” Colleges want to know the real you, not the version of you that uses big words like “juxtaposition” unnecessarily.  

Step 5: Scholarships = Free Money  

Applying for scholarships might feel like entering a lottery, but hey, free money is free money. Check with your school counselor, local organizations, and online databases for opportunities. Even a $500 scholarship can cover textbooks (or at least part of your coffee addiction).  

Step 6: Ask for Help (Seriously, Do It)  

Your teachers, counselors, and family are your dream team. Need a letter of recommendation? Ask nicely (and early). Have questions about financial aid? Your counselor is there for you. Feeling overwhelmed? Talk to someone. This process is too big to tackle alone, and nobody expects you to.  

Take a Deep Breath  

Remember, college is important, but it’s not everything. Whether you end up at a big university, a small college, or taking a gap year to figure things out, you’re on your own path. Planning for college isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding a place where you can grow, learn, and maybe eat some decent pizza along the way.  

Good luck, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!