mmore than 1.2 million aspiring students prepare to apply to college in what has become a national rite of passage for ambitious students.

In fact, many applicants hoping to attend their dream schools have already submitted materials for early decisiona gambit that it can increase one’s chances of getting in. But such a dedicated approach can be limiting for some students who are still thinking about their future – and how to pay for it – he writes Forbes contributor Kristen Moon.

“In the frenetic world of college applications, students are best served by making lots of flexible plans and backup plans. And then to make backup plans for their backup plans,” says Moon.

The high school class of 2025 will have to plan a little differently than last year’s graduates. campus tumult, admission changes and changing student loan guidelines have reshaped the application landscape. Affirmative action and legacy recognitions have withdrawn; artificial intelligence takes root.

Forbes contributor Scott White, who writes about college admissions, outlines more than a dozen changes students face, including the new FAFSA release and DEI reductions.

Prospective students should set a well-organized plan for the application process—it’s a marathon, not a sprint, notes Forbes collaborator Dr. Aviva Legatt. She offers a seven-step guide to getting started.

Read on for more tips from the experts Forbes contributors to education:

Early action and early decision

Some students will want to jump head first into their college search while others may feel overwhelmedwrite Forbes contributor Brennan Barnard. There are plenty of options and expert opinions on how to start the application process. And students have several options with different deadlines. It can be difficult to know which choice is right for you.

“The difference between Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) and planning for both in the application process could mean the difference between a successful application process or not,” says Moon, a college application consultant.

Early applications are scheduled from mid-October to November, and students will usually be notified if they have been accepted between December and February, depending on the type of application they made and the school.

Applicants should consider how certain they are of their choice, their financial aid requirements, and their level of patience before considering an early application.

Forbes6 steps to create your winning peer listOf Dr. Aviva Legatt

Competition for elite schools

ivy league maybe it’s lost a little of its luster among some employers, but these prestigious institutions remain among the top-rated schools in the country. Competition for spots can be intense and the process is not as merit based as many thinkwrite Forbes contributor Christopher Rim, a college admissions consultant in New York.

“Excellent grades and test scores are the critical foundation for Ivy League admission, but they’re not the only thing top colleges look for,” notes Rim.

ivy league maybe it’s lost a little of its luster among some employers, but these prestigious institutions remain among the top-rated schools in the country. Competition for spots can be intenseand the process is not as merit based as many thinkwrite Forbes contributor Christopher Rim, a college admissions consultant in New York.

“Excellent grades and test scores are the critical foundation for Ivy League admission, but they’re not the only thing top colleges look for,” notes Rim.

Last year, Harvard and Yale received more than 50,000 applications each, and the University of Pennsylvania saw more than 65,000 applications for the 2023-24 school year. Accepts very few applicants and students are always looking for an advantage.

Rim suggests three ways high school freshman can start building their resumes. But remember, “Students are not competing with all the other applicants, rather a certain subset of individuals with similar academic interests, extracurricular experiences, and backgrounds.”

Forbes5 Red Flags Ivy League Admissions Officers Look ForOf Christopher Rim

Be selective

Applicants should be as selective as admissions officers when deciding which schools to apply to.

“Students should think strategically about the types of programs, campuses, learning environments and communities they want to access,” says Rim.

For example, make an offer for all eight Ivy League schools to increase the chances of getting in front of someone who might turn back.

“Dedicating time and energy to complete eight Ivy League applications is actually a detrimental strategy for most students,” says Rim.

Each college has its own character, offerings and campus. When compiling a list of schools, Rim suggests students they ask themselves three questions:

• “Do you want to go to a small school with a low student/faculty ratio or a large school with a wealth of opportunities?”
• “Are you interested in doing lab research or are you more focused on the classroom experience?”
• “Will you thrive in a city or a rural setting?”

With the cost of tuition rising and other top schools offering comparable educational opportunities, so does Moon advises students not to limit their concentration.

ForbesDoes an Ivy League degree matter?Of Kristen Moon

Avoid college misinformation

Students pursuing Early Action and Early Decision must submit their applications in mid-October and early November. Those looking online for help preparing their proposals for admissions officers may find conflicting information about grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities that can lead to confusion.

It’s important to understand the facts from the folklore when navigating this sometimes opaque process.

“One common misconception is that choosing a quirky or non-traditional course will increase your chances of acceptance,” Moon writes. This is not true. “When colleges evaluate applicants, they look to see how they have demonstrated their interest in that field through their academic activities or coursework.” Randomly choosing a major that seems out of line with the student’s profile could hurt their chances of acceptance.

The moon dispels eight communes myths and misconceptions about college applicationsincluding confusion about SAT scores and how much is too much for a student resume.

More from Forbes Contributors

ForbesShould you hire a college counselor for your 11-year-old?Of Christopher Rim
ForbesDo you want to get into the Ivy League? Here’s how long the application process really takesOf Christopher Rim
Forbes5 Strategies to Get Admitted to the College WaitlistOf Kristen Moon
ForbesHow Ivy League Applications Can Affect Your Social Media AccountsOf Christopher Rim
ForbesA definitive plan for your college admissions processOf Dr. Aviva Legatt