While applying to college may seem easy, getting in can be tough! When you apply for college, you will have to be honest with yourself and do a bit of research to find the right fit. Here are three steps to take when applying to colleges for the best chances at getting into the best college for you.
Step l: Making A List Of Colleges To Apply To
With over 6,000 colleges in the United States, the first step in applying to college is to do some research and make a college list .This process will be different for everyone. The number of colleges you apply to can vary, from applying  to 1 school (not recommended) to 30 schools (not recommended),each applicant can choose how many colleges they apply to. Many limit the number because applications are accompanied by a fee.
Step2: Splitting The List Into Target, Reach and Safety Schools
In general, students will want to apply to three types of schools: Target, Reach and Safety schools. It is up to you how many applications you send, but a good mix would be more target than reach, and at least one safety. You will need to take your list, and now decide which are your top picks, which are attainable for you academically, which are affordable for you only with aid, and refine your broad list into a group of schools that gives you the best chance for success. Talk to an admissions counselor at your high school if you have questions about this.
Step 3: Completing and Sending Applications to Colleges
Once your list is complete you are ready to apply to college by completing and sending in applications! College applications take time to complete —you have to write essays, ask for recommendations and get test scores sent to schools—so stay organized！ All colleges will require these types of application materials, so start thinking about these items well before October or December. Once you complete and send them, then you have successfully applied to college.
It can be learned from the first paragraph that_____________.

A．you should be cautious to pick up the right college

B．you don't have to think twice before applying to college

C．once you apply to a college, you'll be admitted to it easily

D．each applicant should choose the best college for their ideal

To make a list of colleges, you____________.

A．should consider more Safety schools

B．had better take your academy into account

C．are supposed to choose merely one most fit

D．are required to pick out more than 30 colleges

Which of the following statements is WRONG?

A．One should clarify the list according to one's abilities.

B．Refer to admissions counselor at high school if necessary.

C．One doesn't have to send his test scores to the intended college.

D．Teachers' recommendations are included in application materials.

We can conclude from the text that____________.

A．each applicant has the right to apply to any colleges for free

B．the more college one chooses, the more successful he will be

C．applicants should send required materials before the deadline

D．safety schools are those that don't have so many requirements

The text is mainly about____________.

A．how to succeed in life

B．how to apply to college

C．how to ask for information

D．how to do a research in college