When should high schoolers start visiting colleges?

I'm currently a junior in high school and I've been thinking about when I should start visiting colleges. I've read that it's a good idea to visit during your junior year, but I’m not sure how to fit it in with school and extracurriculars. What's the best time to start planning these visits, and how many campuses should I try to see before making decisions about applications? Also, any tips on making the most of a college visit?

Setting aside the time to visit colleges during your junior year is indeed a helpful step in understanding where you might feel most comfortable studying. While attending college tour days or open houses is the most traditional route, keep in mind that a lot of schools now also offer virtual tours if you can't visit in person.

Typically, visits are scheduled during school breaks. Spring break of your junior year can be an excellent time to start since this allows you to visit while classes are in session, giving you a sense of campus life. Scheduling visits may be trickier during the summer, but this can also be a good time if you have weekday availability.

As for how many schools to visit, it really can vary greatly based on your comfort and decisiveness. Some students feel ready after touring just a few campuses, while others may need to see ten or more to get a better understanding. Try to ensure you visit a range of types of schools (large / small, urban / rural, etc.) to gain insight into different campus cultures.

When you visit a school, try to go beyond the formal tour. Spend time exploring the area around the campus. Grab a meal in the dining hall, sit in on a class if possible, speak with current students. You might also set up meetings with professors or advisors in your prospective major.

Remember, the goal of these visits is to help you find an institution where you will feel comfortable living, learning, and growing for the next four years. It’s about more than just attending a school with a good reputation or specific program; fit really does matter!