DO NOT WAIT!

Is it never too late to start the college exploration process?  It may be.  On my travels through the country, I have been amazed at how many students and families I have met who are just starting their college search.  The problem?  The student is entering senior year of high school this fall.  If you wait until the summer prior to senior year you are at a disadvantage.  Other students have been preparing and researching for 4+ years.  Some have even spent summers on a college campus in classes.  Students going to the top universities do not start preparing in the summer of senior year.  Think of this adventure as preparing for "the big game" or important track meet.  No one enters "the" game without practicing and studying the game plan. 
There is so much you can do at the start of high school to prepare for leaving high school and getting into the school of "your" choice.  In 7th grade start with a comprehensive 6 year plan that outlines your strategy and gives you an advantage.  Follow and amend the plan as you go through high school.  Visit, visit, visit campuses.  Check if the school you really want to go to has a local admissions counselor.  Let the college know that you are interested.  Check college web sites frequently to see if there are changes in entrance requirements. 
All this work is difficult to do while you are studying and just trying to be a high school student.  Get your parents involved.  If they do not have the time, consider asking for them (or your grandparents) to hire a private college admissions counselor.  It may be the best money you spend.  But whatever you do.....DO NOT WAIT!  START NOW!