As you head toward the finish line of 10th grade, this is a great time to begin exploring what you might want in your college experience without the pressure of building an actual college list just yet. Visiting a few local campuses can help you start to figure out your preferences. Do you like big or small schools? Urban or suburban settings? A busy, competitive environment or a more relaxed, collaborative one?

Start with a mix of campus types nearby and attend the information sessions and tours—either in person or virtually. Online events can be highly informative and often include live Q&A opportunities. Whether you’re on campus or on the screen, registering for events serves to demonstrate your interest in a school, which some colleges consider as a plus in admissions.  And keep in mind that college semesters are ending soon. If you can’t find a time to visit while campuses are in session, consider fitting this into the end of your summer, since colleges usually start the fall term before you go back to school. The National Association for College Admissions Counseling has also released its fall college fair schedule, so you can save the date for an event in your area.

As you explore, it’s also time to start thinking about standardized testing. With the switch to the digital SAT last year and the introduction of a digital ACT this year, current sophomores should consider how these changes might affect their plans. Choosing between the SAT and ACT and mapping out a prep timeline now can keep you on track and reduce your workload and stress later. For more guidance, consider signing up for my May 18 webinar, College Admissions: A Road Map for 9^th and 10^th Grade Students, or reach out for individual advising.