Early preparation will help you greatly in positioning yourself to get into your college of choice, starting at least in the eighth grade. It's not too late, however, if you are a bit past (or even a bit more than a bit past) eighth grade. You can still apply and be accepted to college if you plan carefully.

If you are in high school:
Regardless of your current grade in school, there are some general guidelines to remember and rules to follow:

• Pay attention to dates and deadlines for tests, course registrations, college applications, and financial aid applications.
• Understand that most colleges require at least three, and often prefer four, years of studies in math, English, science, and social studies—even though they may not be required for high school graduation.
• Understand that most colleges also require at least two years of the same foreign language.
• Understand that your grades are important, yet the difficulty of your coursework can also be a significant factor in a college's decision to admit you. Most colleges generally prefer students who take on the challenges of tougher courses, even if they earn only average grades, than students who opt for easier courses that will boost their GPAs. Honors and advanced placement courses are often weighted more heavily than other courses in calculating a student's grade point average.
• College admission officers will pay the closest attention to your GPA, class rank, AP and other honors-level courses, and scores on standardized tests.
• Seek extracurricular activities that can help you become a well-rounded person. Activities that require time and effort outside the classroom (like speech and debate, band, communications, and drama) also show a willingness to work with others.
• Volunteering can also help you gain experience in various work environments while showing your ability to support your community.

If you are an adult:
For adults who are looking to return to school for a post-secondary degree,  many of the same concepts as above apply to you, such as taking note of deadlines, application requirements, and presenting yourself as a well-rounded student. The process for college entrance, however, can be different. Read more at Return to Learn.