What are the steps I need to take to go to college in OC California? I also need to apply for financial aid..?

Why would you want to be there?

There are a lot of websites that will help with this, but EP is not one of them. Collegeboard.com and the princeton review website both helped me a lot when I was preparing for college. Those are good places to start and there are lots of other similar websites out there too.

Fill out your FAFSA right now. www.fafsa.ed.gov The sooner you do it the better. You will need to wait till you and your parents get their W2 to file 2008 tax returns or you might have to estimate off 2007 tax returns. Fill out applications for the schools you are contemplating. Find every scholarship opportunity there is for you and fulfill their requirements. www.scholarships.com (and ask your counselor!) It's hard work but do it. You don't have to pay scholarships back for the rest of your life like student loans. Once you are accepted and decide which school, start getting together with your academic adviser on which major/minor you are choosing and what classes to take. Do that! Don't do it yourself or you could get screwed. If you are in high school, go to your school counselor and they will tell you everything you need to do. If you are not in high school, contact the college and they will walk you though all the steps. You do not have to figure it out on your own or on the internet, the school will help you. Take advantage of the assistance.