Whether you know you want to go to college or are only flirting with the idea, waiting until junior or senior year to prepare can make the process harder. Although freshman year is a major adjustment period, it is the perfect time to start planning your path to college. Start With The Big Picture Most colleges want a well-rounded student, so you should consider more than your GPA. Explore extracurricular activities available at your school before you decide which activities you are passionate about and believe you want to commit to for the long-haul.