Valedictorians at the gate: standing out, getting in, and staying sane while applying to college

The big picture

The college search. First steps ; Creating the right college list ; The campus visit ; Coming to a high school near you

The application. The school report ; Recommendations ; Extracurriculars ; Testing ; The personal statement ; Supplemental essays ; Submitting the application ; Alumni interviews

Special considerations. A word on early ; International applicants ; Recruited athletes

Postdecision. Decision day ; Admitted student events ; Welcome to college ; Best in class.