When to Begin College Tours?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school and was wondering when I should begin touring colleges? Is senior year too late or should I start as early as the end of junior year?

It's great that you're thinking about college tours! The ideal time to start touring colleges is during the second half of your junior year, but anytime before fall of your senior year is generally fine. Beginning your tours earlier will give you sufficient time to explore different schools and gain a better understanding of what you're looking for in a college.

Spring of junior year is an especially good time because you'll likely have some standardized test scores under your belt and a decent grasp of your academic interests. If you can't tour colleges during your junior year, make sure to start at the beginning of your senior year so you can get an idea of where you might want to apply for Early Decision or Early Action.

Keep in mind that some schools host open houses, admitted students days, or other specific events that can provide valuable insights into the campus and its programs. You can find these events on the college's website or by reaching out to their admissions office.

Lastly, if attending in-person tours is not possible due to distance or other constraints, consider virtual tours, which many colleges offer on their websites. While not as immersive as in-person visits, virtual tours can still give you a glimpse of the campus and its facilities.

Good luck!