Some advice before starting the application process.

USA Today reports.

10 things college applicants need to understand

Somewhere between being a high school student and being a college student, there’s the complex phase of being a college applicant. While parents and counselors may spend a great deal of time helping students make the transition, ultimately the applicant will only be successful if they understand a few key facts for themselves.

Here are 10 things that every college applicant needs to know before diving into the application process.

IF YOU TRY FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS, DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU CRASH

Completing your college applications isn’t the time to wing it. Therefore, you’ll need a solid plan to make it through the application process. While it’s not impossible to secure admission to college without a plan, the stress you’ll cause yourself will be greater than the effort it will take to just go ahead and plan things out.