[A. Snodgrass]

Visit the schools, as was suggested earlier, is one of the best things you can do when looking at Universities. When you visit the schools, if there is a specific engineering counselor or tour, make sure you take that as well, and that you talk to professors. This gives you a better idea of what it might feel like to be IN that school then looking in from the outside. Also, some schools have overnight stays that you can do with a current student. If that is available, it's worth looking into, because it gives you a wonderful opportunity to see what it might feel like to go to that university. The reputation of the school matters some, but if you're miserable there that all makes no difference, because it makes it that much harder to do well and to achieve at the same level as somebody who loves where they are and what they are doing.

Put in your applications early. Start talking to people about recommendations now, that way you're prepared for when you actually need them next fall. Also, if possible, talk to a couple of people going to each of the schools you are interested in to see what they like and dislike about the school. One of the comments I got from university admission panels is that by putting in your information earlier rather then close to the deadline can be a factor between being accepted and being waitlisted.

Also, don't lock yourself in. One of the things you might want to consider is what is the life of an undergraduate like at the schools you are looking at? Some schools have wonderful reputations as engineering schools for their graduate program. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the other thing to consider is how much interaction you have with your professors. It might seem like a minor thing now, but whether or not you actively interact with your professors can affect getting recommendations for graduate school if you are ever interested in doing that. This isn't necessarily the information you get out of US News and World Report, or some of the engineering school guides.

Some schools weight grades differently depending on whether they are honors/ap or not. It is a good thing to look into to see if the schools you plan on applying to add different weight to different classes. Just a side note, but something to keep in mind.

Separate from this, but important, DO YOUR FAFSA. Even if you think your family makes too much for you to qualify for need based scholarships, many universities will not grant you scholarships without doing this. Get it in early, finish it early. You might get a nice surprise and get a grant or scholarship, which is money towards college that you wouldn't have otherwise.

All this being said, I wish you good luck! Sometimes it's not just grades that get you into a school. It's also extracurriculars and your recommendations. It means that there is not a cut and dry formula to figuring out who gets into what school and why.