Every year, our advisors hear the same thing from families: “We wish we had started sooner.” Too often, students begin serious college planning midway through junior year, only to discover that valuable opportunities, both academic and financial, have already slipped by.

“I tell all of my families this: It is never too early to start college planning, but it can very quickly become too late,” says Blair Dean, Assistant Director of College Advising at Method Learning. Starting early gives students time to explore ways to stand out from peers during the application process through personalized projects and research. Students also have time to dig deeper into research on different schools to learn why they want to apply there, which helps their applications and saves valuable time later.

Starting early is not about adding pressure. It is about creating time for discovery, for thoughtful choices, and for building confidence every step of the way.

College Planning with Purpose

When colleges review an application, they look for more than strong grades or senior-year achievements. They want to see growth, curiosity, and consistency across the entire high school experience. Starting early helps students design that story intentionally.

In some cases, that early planning can make all the difference. A student interested in applying to a top business program, for example, may not realize that certain schools expect applicants to submit a business portfolio or resume of experiences that show sustained interest. Without intentional preparation, those materials can fall short compared to students who began developing their ideas, leadership roles, and projects earlier in high school. Early advising helps identify these requirements long before deadlines approach, giving students the time and guidance to build a truly competitive profile.

The freshman and sophomore years are the prime time to explore interests, select a mix of challenging and enjoyable courses, and plan summer experiences that build leadership and initiative. With early advising, students can test academic and career interests before big decisions, like choosing programs or test options, become time-sensitive.

At Method Learning, students are personally paired with advisors whose backgrounds and styles are a natural fit. That match matters. It helps students feel understood and supported from the very first meeting. Advisors stay closely connected with families, offering steady communication, expert insight, and a reassuring presence throughout the process.

Test Prep That Fits the Journey

Standardized tests are once again shaping college admissions and scholarship outcomes, making expert preparation more valuable than ever for families aiming to maximize their students’ opportunities.

At Method Learning, test preparation is not a one-size-fits-all process. It is a customized, research-based approach that helps students perform at their personal best while fitting seamlessly into their broader college plan. Starting early gives students the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT with confidence and use those results to inform future testing strategies. For many, it also allows time to explore whether they perform better on the SAT or the ACT, a difference that can have a significant impact on both admission outcomes and scholarship eligibility. Without time, neither of these two options can happen, and missed opportunities for merit scholarships.

Our advisors and instructors work closely together to create testing timelines that are tailored to each student's needs. Some may benefit from an early diagnostic assessment in sophomore year, while others may choose to begin structured preparation before junior year testing opportunities. This kind of proactive planning helps students avoid last-minute stress and achieve results that reflect their true potential.

Financial Planning That Starts on Time

“Working with Method Learning allows families to make the final college selection process smoother,” explains Kenneth McGhee, College Financial Advisor with Method Learning. When you plan early, you can make sure your student’s list includes schools that fit your family’s financial goals.

Families who begin early have more control over costs and far fewer surprises. Understanding how savings, investments, and income connect to future college pricing helps parents make informed choices long before applications are due. Method Learning’s financial advisors help families estimate real costs, explore funding strategies, and make sure college goals fit comfortably within long-term plans.

Few families realize that income reported as early as January of sophomore year becomes part of future aid calculations. Having those financial conversations early allows families to plan ahead and protect eligibility for need- and merit-based aid.

The Bottom Line

Starting early with Method Learning is not about rushing. It is about being ready. Early planning provides students with clarity, families with confidence, and everyone with a sense of direction.

When your family is ready to start, we are ready to guide you every step of the way.