<p>I would appreciate any info regarding pros and cons and insight about when to attend the college info meetings with my son. If we go to them in the fall as a junior, are they really looking more at seniors? Or would it be better to wait until the spring or even fall senior year. We get so many invites, but not sure when they would seriously be looking at recruiting. Would love to hear actual experience of when you went and if your child decided to go there. Thanks!</p>
<p>If you mean the large information sessions offered in nearby hotels and meeting spaces, I think they are most useful for juniors, as they compile their college interest list. By fall of senior year, students may still want to attend to ask specific questions, but most of the information presented is very introductory.</p>
<p>I agree. I think these sessions are useful for juniors who are attempting to create a list of schools. By the fall of senior year most kids know where they are applying, for the most part.</p>
<p>You certainly can go to these sessions as a either a junior or as a senior. But if you want to get a jump on getting a college list together, then go in in the junior year. College visits are great for getting juniors focused on what types of schools they like (large/small/mid-size; urban/rural/suburban etc.) and which schools in particular feel like good fits. You can always make another visit senior year.</p>
<p>I took both of my kids on tours of a number of schools during their junior year. Early in her senior year, my D was deciding between two schools for ED so we went back to both and she spent a day at each school shadowing a student after which her top choice became clear. And with my S who did not apply ED anywhere (his top choices had EA), we went to accepted students day at his top couple of choices in the spring and final choice also became very clear.</p>
<p>Just as a side note - My son did these in his Junior year so that he could find those he wanted to apply for early enough that he would be first to apply for some of the housing and get the dorms he wanted.</p>