If you haven’t seen a copy of Florida Trend’s Next magazine, check with your guidance counselor or  click on the Next button on this site. It’s packed with useful college information. Here are some important tips from the 2011-2012 edition:

Keep your search organized
Start a file box with at least two sections: one for information you receive from colleges and another for materials you will be sending out to them, such as reference letters, essays and test scores.

Know your 'early’ vocabulary
Understand the difference between early action and early decision. Some schools offer an early action deadline. In return for meeting an early deadline, you receive an admission decision earlier than regular applicants, usually by December. You may still apply to and consider other schools. The time line for early decision is similar, but you may only use that option for one school, and you agree to attend that school if you are accepted.

Don’t play a name game
Keep your name consistent on all materials you submit. Avoid using your nickname in one place and your full name in another.

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