The college search has a firm grasp on the daily lives of an extensive number of seniors across the country this year – as it does every year for 12th-graders. The Spring Ford community, in specific, is not immune.

“I’ve felt the intense amount of pressure and stress these last couple weeks,” senior Eve Ryan said.

The average Spring Ford senior undergoes a considerable flood of emotions through their different college tour experiences. The confusion of what they want in a college, the worrying of a college not meeting their requirements, or even the anticipation of cost can cause their anxiety to skyrocket.

According to many seniors and staff, there is a way to calm the treacherous storms building in a student’s mind – touring colleges.

“I absolutely think college tours are beneficial!” Spring-Ford College and Career Advisor Maggie Lusignea said. “Tours are one of the best ways that a student can get an accurate feel for a school or campus setting. Tours are a great way to learn more about academics, student life, and are the best way to get a feel for the facilities on campus.”

College touring allows for students to find a college that feels “right” to be a part of. Viewing a college through photos and descriptions may provide a student with only so much information, yet getting to actually set foot along a campus and speak with the school’s students is said to be more beneficial.

The entirety of the touring process has been given the reputation of being extremely stressful, yet teachers and staff are willing to give their students their utmost attention and understanding towards this immense period of their lives.

“The world is your oyster,” Lusignea said. “Try to embrace the coming change.”