For early action, colleges respond to you before January 1, but you have until the regular deadline to decide whether to accept. Choose an essay topic that has not been covered in the application and which represents you. Double-check each college's application deadline. Second semester of senior year does count. An offer of admission can be withdrawn if grades drop significantly. Attend college fairs where available. Online applications are easy to use and usually more accurate than longhand applications. Your essay should demonstrate how you organize your thoughts and express yourself. The SAT is generally offered three or four times per school year in each school district. It is better to get a tough B (in an advanced or honors course) than an easy A. Summer jobs and volunteer work are a plus on your college application. Start planning for college before 11th grade! For every hour of class time, plan on spending three hours outside of class reading, studying and researching. It is OK to change majors, just be sure to review your course requirements for graduation. Open a checking account at a bank with branch within walking distance from your dorm. Take the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade to practice for the SAT I. Take the PSAT in 11th grade when it will act as a qualifier for National Merit Scholarships. Try a course at a local university during the summer break. Average tuition for private four-year colleges is between $6,840 and $12,751 per year. Don't forget to consider extra fees for courses such as lab, photography and art.