<p>Given that in our school district they start administering the PSAT (on a purely “practice” basis) to the 10th graders, I don’t think it’s too early at all. If your student is amenable, you and (s)he might want to check out a college fair, if there’s one in your community sometime this coming year. Another thing to consider: Depending on what your school’s vacation schedule is like, spring break of the HS sophomore year might be a good time to make one or two initial college visits–once again, this is assuming that your student would be amenable to this. This worked for us with D2, since she wanted to avoid visiting during the summer, and our school district has a relatively limited number of (non-summer) vacation days when colleges would be in session.</p>
<p>Most of the colleges have web pages that are very helpful for h.s. students to navigate around to get a feel for a school. He or she might see something that sparks an interest.</p>
<p>If you find yourself near colleges while on vacation, at least drive by. My D ruled out big city schools and small liberal art schools (few restaurants) and that saved us lots of time. Also, my husband insisted that she visit her favorite midwest school in the middle of winter so she would know exactly how it would feel to walk to class.</p>
<p>My D is now a college freshman. I started taking her in soph yr of HS because I needed someone else - besides me - telling her how important her grades were. I also hoped she would see all the opportunities… which would be motivating too. We always combined it with a visit somewhere or an opportunity meet up with a camp friend. Selfishly, I cherished the alone time with her!</p>
<p>Now, S is a soph, completely different kind of student - already very motivated. He’s also very different personality-wise. But, with his very busy schedule, he doesn’t like being away on weekends. Since we have so many colleges within 5 hours, we are starting to look when he’s got a free day (going to do a tour at Lehigh on Tues - no school here because of election day. May also do a drive through of Muhlenberg). As a previous poster said, just to get an idea of large/small, rural/city/suburban, etc. And when we have to go, for example, to Boston, we will definitely include a college tour/info session.</p>
<p>I find it easier to take two days to see two schools, rather than do a whirlwind tour over a week. That would be a lot for us, plus it doesn’t fit into my work schedule so easily. Because of geography, we can do this. With D, by spring of junior year, it was clear what kind of school she was looking for. It’s a huge investment so I think it is worth the time.</p>
<p>Not all kids/families are ready in 10th grade. For us, it works.</p>
<p>I appreciate the helpful responses! We have had opportunities to visit different types of colleges so DS does know some things he likes and some he doesn’t. We will need some form of scholarship and/or financial aid, so I’m extra appreciative for those resources as I haven’t really even started on that aspect.</p>
<p>Have been reading the class of 2013/2017 thread and will post my follow-up questions there. :-)</p>