The Secret to Calm Senior Year Starts Now (Hint: It’s College Visits)

Let’s talk about it, junior parents.

Right now, you might be watching your senior parent friends panic over essays, deadlines, and recommendation letters  and thinking, “Whew, glad that’s not me yet.” But here’s the thing: your turn is coming faster than you think.

If you wait until next summer to start building a college list or visiting campuses, you’re already behind.

This season  fall into early winter  is the best time to start planning how your family will explore colleges. And I don’t just mean clicking through websites or scrolling through TikTok campus tours. I’m talking about making a real plan.

Here’s where to start.

1. Visit locally first

Before hopping on a plane or booking a big college tour, start nearby. Visit a few local campuses just to get a sense of what college feels like today. Even if your teen doesn’t plan to apply there, these visits help you both understand what matters  size, setting, vibe, diversity, and energy.

2. Build your plan around the four key pillars

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we always come back to Cost, Location, Major, and Career.
Every college visit  virtual or in person  should help you learn something about one of these four.

Ask yourself:

• What can we actually afford?
  
• Where will my teen feel safe and supported?
  
• What majors align with their interests and future goals?
  
• What kind of career opportunities do graduates have?
  
  

3. Use your time wisely

When you plan your family vacations or school breaks, set aside time to visit a few campuses. Even one or two can make a huge difference. Standing in the student union or walking across the quad gives your teen something that YouTube videos can’t: a feeling.

If travel isn’t possible right now, don’t stress. There are great digital tools to help you research schools online. In fact, I’ve started a new College Success List series on our YouTube channel where I profile colleges, talk through what makes them special, and show you how to evaluate them thoughtfully.

4. Stay aligned as a family

This part matters most. Make sure you and your teen are on the same page about what they want  and what your family needs.
Talk about safety, distance, culture, and support systems. These aren’t small details. They shape your child’s experience for the next four years.

Parents, your time is now.
The sooner you start visiting schools  physically or digitally  the smoother this process will feel when senior year comes.

If you want more guidance, visit the College Success List playlist on our YouTube channel and book your Discovery Call today. Let’s get your family’s college plan on track.