I agree 100% with @bluecker. Its very important to somehow map out the first three years of the college selection/application process so you end up completing everything prior to your senior year. There is so much to do it can be daunting especially if you wait until the end. My D took the SAT/PSAT in October of her Sophomore year (practiced over the summer), Subject Tests as she completed her AP courses, visited colleges in between and applied to all of her colleges prior to her Senior year. She had over 27 essays for 9 colleges and she did it over the summer prior to her Senior year. Having a well thought out plan really helps (including what courses are you going to take). You basically have a couple years left to fit all this in and that’s good. 
Having a well rounded college selection helps too - just in case your child decides to change their major. Unfortunately, most students aren’t aware of what the college process entails so they are scrambling to fit everything in the last minute.