When should I start looking into colleges and universities?

Question

I'm in my freshman year right now, so what things should I be doing to prepare me for college?

Answer 1

Do you know what you want to do in college, or a general subject area? If you want to be a scientist, take a lot of science and math. Look for summer programs/internships in the fields you're interested in - that definitely helps your applications. Do something cool, fun, and interesting at some point - travel, volunteer, build/invent something, publish something - to talk about on your personal statement/essays. But don't overwork - you've got years to go still.

Answer 2

Now's a good time to be thinking about what colleges you want to get into, because you can plan your high school schedule to make sure that you take the classes the colleges want you to have.

Answer 3

you need to start planning your path now. If you want to scholarship into an ivy league or other university, these days you need more than grades! Civic participation, sports, hobbies etc all count these days on top of good grades...

I would say, be all you can be even now! Join clubs, play an instrument etc.