For students, the closing years of high school can be, quite frankly, overwhelming. It's hard enough narrowing down colleges to consider, and even drafting questions to ask a prospective college counselor can be intimidating.

Try looking at applying to colleges through a different lens. Think: buying a new car.

You're psyched because your getting your license (high school diploma) you can't wait to inhale the new car scent (cafeteria food); there are several brand name choices (private to public); financing will be involved (Dad will breathe deeply as he writes your tuition check); there will be extra-friendly employees vying for your attention (admissions counselors will be your new bfff's) and all you want to do is make the best decision for the next stage of your life. Lucky you.

Advice: Look at your family, school counselors and friends as a support network and begin to self-reflect, discover everything you want in your college before you ask for help.

Once you're clear, put on your inquisitive hat and "start visiting colleges, at least the summer before junior year. By senior year [you] should be done visiting and deciding where [you] want to go to college," recommends Nakia Noble, assistant director of admissions and coordinator of multicultural affairs at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Your goal is to start early and arrive at campuses prepared with questions.

College experts suggest the following questions and pointers to help you interview prospective colleges:

1. Academic Programs: Are the programs well-respected and cutting-edge? Do teacher assistants ever teach classes instead of faculty? What's the student/teacher ratio? Studying abroad opportunities available?

2. Financial Aid: What types of grants, work-study, scholarships and loans might make up a typical financial aid package? When are the application and scholarship deadlines?

3. Support: What support systems are in place from tutorial support to programs for people with learning disabilities?

4. Overnight Programs: Overnights allowed? Experience typical college life with this shadow experience that can quickly indicate if a particular college is right for you.

5. Mission: What is the college mission? Does its values reflect your beliefs?

6. Graduate Success: Ask to speak with an alum in your field and view the college's post-graduate report.

7. Imagine: Lastly, close your eyes and try to see yourself there?

Remember, your support system will be there to cheer you on as you start your new car. Breathe. You've got four years to enjoy the ride.