neither of my kids had a clue as sophomores what kind of colleges they would like..
If the highest rigor, all As and high test scores, they will have tons of choices and can get lots of merit if they choose…
I wouldn’t stress about it until at least this coming spring, if not next fall.
To be clear, I think visiting schools now is great, just don’t expect them to be crystal clear what they want, or not yet.
And honestly, wanting engineering at least limits options, some. Be glad they don’t want to be a math major, which every school has;)