If you’re the parent of a high school freshman or sophomore — but particularly if you’re the parent of a junior — now is the time to understand and start implementing the college timeline.

There is no need to be intimidated; with proper planning and execution, you have plenty of time to research and visit colleges and complete the applications.

If you anticipate that your child will be applying to any of the more selective colleges and universities, the earlier you initiate the process, the better.

College preparation in high school varies widely. Private schools tend to start earlier and offer families more direct contact.

According to research conducted by the Independent Educational Consultants Association, public school students in the United States, on average, receive a total of 38 minutes of personal college counseling with their guidance counselor over four years, and six out of 10 students reported receiving no college counseling whatsoever.

Nationally, the current student-to-counselor ratios are 476 to 1, and in California they are 1,016 to 1, which might explain the burgeoning college consultant market.

The two most important factors for any college application are the rigor of a student’s coursework and a student’s performance in the classes chosen.

This means course selection is critical, especially if a student has lofty goals of attending a selective college or university.

You’ll need to understand the point values in your school system for different courses: standard college prep, honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. Ask your guidance counselor about doubling up in foreign language, math or science courses so that your student is prepared to take the most advanced courses.

It is also important to check on course expectations at each of the colleges on your list.

Look closely, because some colleges have particular requirements such as a “Visual/Performing Arts” class. That means it must be on the transcript, so you can take it in your senior year.