It's time to start getting serious. You've done the exploring; now it's time to take action. These steps will put you on the right path to finding your dream school.

• Get a feel for college life. Start visiting! As you visit campuses, like UMD's, think about the location. Do you want to be close to home? Do you prefer a city or a more rural feel? This is your chance to see if you can picture yourself here.
• Find your perfect fit. Start making a list of schools that interest you. When you do, look at their academic programs to make sure they offer what you're passionate about.
• Start a conversation about costs. When you're ready, look into the overall cost of attending and investigate scholarship opportunities. Don't be afraid to use financial aid calculators to see what a school might really cost after aid. The sticker price isn't the whole story!
• Start preparing your application materials. Whether you choose to apply test-optional or with scores, you can get a head start. Consider whether you will be taking the ACT or SAT.