None of my kids would have launched an effective search (or ended up where they ended up) if they did these things junior year.
They had PSAT scores and taken the SAT once so they knew aprox. where they stood. We had the budget talk and had run every conceivable scenario. They had visited a few colleges because we were in the area visiting family or on vacation so they knew “this is what a rural campus feels like” or “BU has Commonwealth Avenue running through it- you either love it or hate it” but none of these were official visits, tours, etc.
But that’s it. There’s a lot of change senior year! One of my kids who spent junior high and HS saying “No way am I going close to home” ended up an hour away, accessible by public transportation and a quick walk from the train.
We all have a part to plan in ending the madness!