Manage your search

Get a filing system. You may be gathering information on dozens of schools, so stay organized. Create a separate file for each school and designate a drawer or cabinet to hold your files. Information will be easily accessible and it will keep you from getting your target schools confused.

Get a calendar (paper or electronic). All schools will require that you meet deadlines. There will be deadlines for admissions applications, financial aid applications, entrance tests and, possibly, interviews. Use your calendar to remind you of all related college admissions and financial aid deadlines.

• Organizing your search
• Searching for schools
• Attending college fairs
• Preparing for campus visits
• Narrowing your list