You’ve made it halfway through junior year, and suddenly, “college” is everywhere. Friends are starting to visit campuses, teachers are dropping hints about recommendation letters, and maybe your inbox is filling up with emails from schools you’ve never heard of. It’s a lot. But here’s the good news: this is the perfect time to get serious about your college search—and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Step 1: Narrow Your Focus

By now, you’ve probably heard about “building a college list,” but that can feel like an impossible task when there are thousands of schools out there. Start with the basics:

• Size: Do you see yourself at a big university or a smaller campus where everyone knows your name?
• Location: Do you want to stay close to home, experience a different part of the country, or even go international?
• Programs: If you have a specific major in mind, focus on schools known for it. Not sure? That’s fine—look for schools with lots of options.

Step 2: Visit—Virtually or IRL

Campus visits can make a school feel real, but if you can’t travel, virtual tours are amazing (and way less stressful). Check out schools’ websites or social channels to explore dorms, dining halls, and even student life. While watching, try to picture yourself there. Could you see this being your home?

Step 3: Keep Testing in Perspective

If you’re aiming to take the SAT or ACT this spring, don’t panic—use this time to prep smarter, not harder. Block off manageable study sessions each week, and take practice tests to figure out what you need to work on. Colleges are increasingly test-optional, but a solid score can open a lot of doors, especially for scholarships.

Step 4: Use Junior Year to Shine

This semester is your chance to boost your application without needing to reinvent yourself. Focus on leadership roles in clubs, consistent involvement in activities, and academic improvement. Colleges care about your trajectory—they want to see growth over time, so this is your moment to shine.

Step 5: Get Ready for Summer

The summer before senior year is a game-changer. Use it to draft some essay ideas and explore internships or pre-college programs. When senior year hits, you’ll be grateful you got a head start. Trust.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The college process is full of steps—from figuring out your best-fit schools to choosing a major, acing the SAT, and writing essays that stand out. That’s where ESAI comes in. We’re here to help you with every part of the journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore schools or need guidance perfecting your essays, ESAI has the (affordable) tools and support you need to make this process manageable—and even exciting.

Ready to crush this process like the pro you are? Let’s goooooo!