If you’re a senior (or even a junior) and starting to think seriously about college, now’s the time to get moving! A lot of students from our school apply to big-name universities like The University of Oklahoma (OU), The University of Texas at Austin (UT), and The University of South Carolina (USC)—and for good reason. These schools are super popular, have amazing programs, and offer tons of opportunities.

Let’s start with OU. The University of Oklahoma has a beautiful campus, a strong sense of community, and great programs in business, engineering, and even meteorology. Their early action deadline is December 15, but the application opens August 1. It’s smart to apply early to get priority for scholarships and housing.

Then there’s UT Austin, which is one of the top public schools in the country. It’s competitive, especially for majors like computer science, business, and film, but it’s worth it if you’re up for the challenge. The priority deadline is November 1, so don’t wait around—this one comes up fast!

The University of South Carolina (USC) is another great option, especially if you’re interested in business or want to apply to their highly-ranked Honors College. Their early action deadline is October 15, and the regular deadline is December 1.

Other super popular picks among students include Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas Tech, LSU, and the University of Arkansas. Each school has its own deadlines, so make sure you’re keeping track!

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, the GoCenter is a great place to get help. They can walk you through the Common App, ApplyTexas, scholarships, FAFSA, essays—basically everything. Whether you’ve already started or haven’t even looked at an application yet, the GoCenter team is there to support you.

The college process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start early, stay organized, and take advantage of the help around you. Visit the GoCenter, knock out those applications, and take that next step toward your future!