Is sophomore year too early for college tours?

Hey everyone, I'm currently a high school sophomore and I've been thinking about the whole college admissions process. I've heard people say junior year is the prime time for visiting colleges, but would it be beneficial to start touring colleges as a sophomore or is it too premature? I feel like getting a head start might help me out but I don't want to jump the gun if it's not the norm. Thoughts?

Hey there! As a parent who recently went through the college admissions journey with my kid, I think it's a great idea to start early, especially if you're eager and have the time. Visiting colleges as a sophomore can give you a stress-free introduction to the campus vibe and college life without the pressure of making immediate decisions.

From my experience, when my child started touring early, we found it beneficial in several ways. They got a general feel for different types of campuses – urban vs. rural, large vs. small – which helped them a lot when it came time to narrow down their list. Plus, some of the insights they gained on those early tours stuck with them and influenced their final choices down the line.

Just remember to take it easy and use these early tours more as exploratory trips rather than trying to make final decisions. If a particular college resonates with you now, it's worth revisiting it later when you’re in your junior year to re-evaluate it with a more focused perspective. Also, keep notes or a journal of your visits, so you can remember what stood out to you at each campus. It's amazing how much those little details can blur together after you've seen a few colleges!

In the end, you're definitely not jumping the gun. If you're driven to start looking at colleges now, go for it! It's a smart way to get ahead in the process and start figuring out what environments you feel most comfortable in. Happy touring!