Send letters or e-mails to the colleges on your list requesting information, and evaluate the materials they send you. Share the materials with your parents. Take the SAT I. Continue your research on private scholarships by finding out what awards students in your school and community are receiving. Be sure to call the admissions office before you visit a campus. The admissions staff will schedule you for a campus tour and arrange an interview, if necessary.
Many colleges have special programs for visiting high school students.
If possible, schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor to learn more about the college's financial aid opportunities. Be sure to bring your parents - their opinion is important and they can gain very valuable information by talking with a financial aid counselor. Look into summer jobs or internships. Continue to evaluate colleges and begin to eliminate some choices from your list. Be sure to ask questions about financial aid, as well as the academic program, student life, etc.