How Colleges Admit Students: Anatomy of an Admission DecisionCollege Exploration: Getting Off on the Right FootA Calendar of Exploration, Decision-Making, and Application TasksThe First Step: Taking a Look at YouMounting a Search: Getting Answers to Your College QuestionsHigh School Course Selection: Relevance to College AdmissionLearning about College Options: Getting the Best InformationUsing the Internet to Explore and Apply to CollegesMaking the Most of the College Fair ExperienceCampus Visits: Getting Ready to GoCampus Visits: Being There and AfterwardAdmission Plans: Modes of Admission AccessDegree of Difficulty: Understanding the Admission CompetitionCollege Admission Tests: Strategies for PreparationAdmission Essays: Putting Forth Your Best EffortNarrowing Options: Deciding Where to ApplyThe College Application: Making It Work for YouUnderstanding College CostsTypes and Sources of Student Financial AidMaking Financial Aid Forms and Applications Work for YouAfter the Application: What Happens Next?Off to College: Getting Ready for Your Freshman YearParents and the High School-to-College TransitionEducational Success: How Counselors Can Help YouSchool to College: Counselors as Your AlliesSome Closing Words about Expectations.