1. Take a rigorous academic course load. The variety and difficulty of your courses in high school matters. Challenge yourself by maintaining core courses through your junior and senior years.

2. Research financial aid options. Attend free financial aid seminars offered through your high school or in your community. Create a profile at

www.fastweb.com and start searching for scholarships.

3. Prepare for the SAT or ACT exams. Familiarize yourself with the SAT and ACT by taking sample versions beforehand. Check out test prep materials (books, prep courses) and online resources.

4. Develop your ideal college profile. Write down the criteria you want in a college (size, location, majors offered). Use FastWeb's College Search at

www.fastweb.com to research possible changes.

6. Do community service and volunteer work. Take an active role in the organization and work towards fulfilling that organization's needs.

7. Attend college fairs. They can help you figure out what kind of college you're looking for and that college's admissions requirements. Ask your guidance counselor when a college fair will be in your area.

8. Keep your grades strong. Schools pay attention to the grades you earn throughout high school. However, don't take a course simple to improve your GPA.

9. Maintain relationships with teachers who can write your letters of recommendation. Remember the teachers, coaches and leaders with whom you've had a good relationship or taken a course in which you were successful.

10. Explore your interests through your classes. Take a wide variety of high school classes can help you figure out what you enjoy.