"Dear prospective student, I would like to take a minute to tell you the many reasons why our college is perfect for you.” Sound familiar? To many juniors and seniors, it sure does. As for the underclassmen, don’t worry, your time is coming sooner than you think.

College. To many high school students, this one word represents a wide array of questions and concerns. Am I going? How big or small of a school do I want? How much can I afford? What should I study? The list goes on. And as if these questions aren’t confusing enough to answer, many of us are also bombarded with emails, letters, surveys, and phone calls of which we are expected to spend quality time on. There are also standardized tests to worry about and deadlines that always seem to come faster than they should. However, the frustrations don’t stop even there. It is also important for students to keep up high school responsibilities such as grades, sports, theatrics, club activities, etc. How does one manage?

Prioritize. What’s most important at a specific time? Underclassmen, focus on grades and extracurricular activities that you might pursue in college. The harder you work, the more prepared you will be. Upperclassmen, really focus on your biggest priorities. Unfortunately, your favorite sitcoms and Facebook aren’t as important as those college applications. Also, stay focused on schoolwork. Even though you may have the idea that you are going on to bigger and better things, your grades and activities are always important for preparation and possible scholarships. And for those who have narrowed down their search to their final college(s), pay careful attention to Early and Regular Decision deadlines. The Common Application is used by most colleges to help students record and send in their recommendations, transcripts, essays, activities, etc.

The truth is, college is extremely stressful and time consuming. Very few are fortunate enough to be able to apply to one college with few concerns and be done. Most of us have to do a lot of research and weigh our options responsibly. Yes, this is a lot of work, but it is rewarding as well. This is a chance to really choose where you want to go and what you want to do with your life. Do you want to play sports, study law, or double major in business and engineering? It’s all up to you. These are definitely big questions but don’t be afraid to explore your options.

A couple of helpful links: www.collegesearch.collegeboard.com, helpful guide to finding your type of college and possible majors; www.fastweb.com, help for scholarships, financial aid, and student loans; www.collegeprowler.com, student reviews and university comparisons. Another helpful hint: Take time to relax and calm yourself. College is not something to be handled lightly, but you will be able to make decisions responsibly and logically if you have a level head. Good luck and happy searching.