start looking early to see what you need to do to get in to each, also look at the majors they offer, cost, size, location, and about the middle of your junior year make a list of schools that interest you, and then contact them all, and get information from each, and by the end of the summer, have the list narrowed down to the top 5 or so, and then start working on applications, and if they require essays, work on them. don't procratinate. and I recommend have the applications sent in by the beginning of winter break, your senior year, then work on financial aid forms.