College tours

This year is definitely valuable, I’m doing the majority of mine this year and just a couple next year in the fall :)

I recommend junior year. I'm a senior, and I split it (1 this year, did 1 last year). I am not visiting more than 2 because I already knew I preferred the 1st college and I will definitely get in. I am only doing the 2nd tour to respect my parents :) They want me to make sure I am set on the 1st one. I wish I had done both in junior year...I am very busy with college applications now.

You obviously don't need to have a fully finalized school list yet, but I recommend doing as many college visits as possible. Visit your local and state schools, and anytime you travel anywhere, book a visit! Try to visit all different types of schools so you get a better understanding of what you're looking for in a college or university.