how does college work?

Talk with your school counselor. That is the best way to get started also collegeboard.com is very helpful with tests you need to take to get into different colleges. After you take those test you need to choose and get accepted to a college and you parents taxes need to be done as soon as possible because once you get in you must apply for financial aid. then you will need to sign up for a dorm and then go to orientation. Start with your conselors and remember to make lists to help you remember everything.

If you're almost done with high school (I'm assuming that means you're a senior?) and you don't know the answer to this question already then you won't be attending college next year. Applications are due very soon and some deadlines have already passed. If you still want to go to college you need to start the process now and try to get things together for the next year of deadlines (2011)

Your question is very broad. You probably can find some good information from your school's or community's librarian.