Donna Virklan, College Counselor from Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill recommends that juniors start compiling a list of prospective colleges in the spring of their junior year and then getting on the road and actually visiting schools. Many high schools will give you a day off and many colleges have special visiting days just for juniors.

Also, Donna suggests that you take some time now, before application season begins, to put together a resume and a personal statement. These two documents will be used over and over again the application process and having them handy will be an important part of the process. She asks all her students to go over their personal statements with their guidance counselor who can provide valuable feedback.

Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York is here (close to home), there (in the big, bad city) and everywhere (online). It offers a wonderful choice for students who are looking for a diverse college experience. With a variety of different campus settings and an online campus Mercy students can choose the college experience that works best.

Mary Chase, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions and Scholarship for Creighton University tells Cappex.com that getting out to visit colleges during the spring of your junior year is a critical part of getting ready to apply.

Most high schools will let you off for a day or two to go visit colleges. Mary recommends going during the week while classes are in session and to make sure you contact the admissions office before your visit.

If you can't make it to campus there most schools have online tours. Whatever you do, start early and get on campus!

Mary Chase, the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions and Scholarships for Creighton University-- one of the most complex and well-respected universities in the Midwest-- tells us why in Omaha, Neb, is the "Maui of the Midwest".

Creighton is one of the few institutions that offers both undergraduate and graduate schools (including medical school) on one campus. They offer over 50 different majors yet they are small enough to offer personal attention.

Creighton is well-supported by the local business community. Their business program has more internship opportunities than they have students.

As a Cappex.com college, Creighton is looking to attract business students, science majors and even Hawaiian students.

Scott Friedhoff, Vice President for Enrollment at Allegheny College in Meadville, Penn tells Cappex.com about the unique mix of talents and skills that are inherent in Allegheny Students.

At Allegheny students have interests that are "Wonderfully Weird". If you are someone that likes yoga and biology you might be a good fit for Allegheny.

As a Cappex.com participant college, Allegheny is looking for different types of students- especially those who respect the environment. Allegheny's Green campus is committed to sustainable energy.

Allegheny is also interested in inviting students from the southern states to come to Meadville and enjoy the great winters that feature all sorts of sports in their 100 inches of snow.

Scott Friedhoff, the Vice President for Enrollment at Allegheny College, joins the CappCast hosts in the Cappex kitchen to discuss what to do if you are that hapless senior who didn't get into college.

If you are one of those poor souls- cheer up! There is still a very good chance you will be off to college in the fall. Scott recommends taking another look at colleges that you may have taken off your original list as they probably still have room. Many colleges actually save spots for late applicants (a little known fact).

Also, check with your guidance counselor. Many counselors keep tabs on which colleges still have spaces. The National Association of College Admissions Counselors (yes, they have an association) circulates a list of colleges that are still making offers to students.