It’s never too early for you and your child to start thinking about college. In reality, most freshmen and sophomores consider college to be far off in the distance, and don’t get serious until it’s too late.

If you have a junior, it’s essential to start thinking about the college admissions process now. For parents of younger students, even better! As a parent, you can help guide and support your child in the process. Follow these seven simple tips for gaining an advantage for your child in the admissions process.

• Get to know the guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor, sometimes called a college or school counselor, can help in many ways, including course selection and providing advice on colleges and financial aid. Your counselor also writes a letter of recommendation, so your son or daughter, and you, should get to know your counselor as early as possible to talk about college plans. The better the counselor knows your child (in a positive light!), the stronger and more personal the endorsement.

• Prepare your class schedule in advance. Even as early as freshman year (or eighth grade), college-bound students should think strategically about the classes that they want to take in their junior and senior years. For example, if your child wants to major in science or engineering in college, it’s best to take AP or IB science and math classes, if offered at your child’s high school. To be eligible for these advanced classes, your child might need to take algebra and geometry early. He or she could also consider taking a summer math class at a community college – it’s often very affordable, and looks great on a college application.

• Prep for standardized tests. It’s a good idea for your child to take the PSAT or PLAN test (the pre-SAT and ACT, respectively) in preparation for the real test. Taking standardized tests early and often is not necessarily a good strategy; instead, studying hard for these tests is more effective! Consider free or inexpensive options, like online sites and guidebooks, in addition to private tutors and test-prep classes.

• Evaluate college requirements. Most colleges require just the SAT or ACT. Highly selective colleges often also require SAT Subject Tests. If your child is taking an AP or IB class, then he or she might want to consider taking the AP Exam at the end of the school year, followed by the SAT Subject Test a month later. (AP Exams can provide college credit if your child receives a high enough score.)

• Visit colleges! Even freshmen and sophomores can visit colleges – without a car. Your child, or you, should “visit” colleges online to get a better sense of majors and departments that are offered, see the makeup of the student population and check out profiles of current students. Many colleges also indicate financial aid policies and provide a current class profile – which include an average student’s GPA and test scores.

• Consider meaningful summer activities. Colleges will not make an admissions decision based on your child’s summer activities, but making the most of the summer can allow your child’s application to stand out from the crowd. For example, consider volunteering for the same organization each summer – this will not only show dedication and passion, but there’s also likely an opportunity for increased responsibilities and leadership. Or he or she can take a summer college class, participate in research at a local university, or read up on a subject not studied in school – and then write an essay about it. There is no formula for summer activities – but colleges will be interested in seeing your child make the most out of his or her time away from school.

• Beware of rumors and myths about college. Parents talk – but the best advice about college admissions, however, comes from experts, like counselors, admissions officers, or college admissions consultants. Parents can inadvertently spread incorrect information. “John did not get into that college last year, so it must be impossible to get in – don’t bother applying!” or “I hear it’s a party school, so your daughter shouldn’t look at that college.”

Remember that the earlier you and your child plan for college, the more organized and in control you will be. Heed this advice and gain an advantage for your child in the admissions process.

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