As the Class of 2016 prepares to exit the Hingham Public School system, students are making plans to work, travel, serve our country, and continue their studies. For those of us readying to leave for college, the applications are underway, ¬ or at least they will be soon. The long arduous process begins with ideas, and is followed by research, paperwork, and a lot of essay writing. It can be overwhelming, but should be manageable.

The first question seniors must face regards where to apply: to stay close to home or go far away, to go to a private or public school, or to be one in a big crowd or one of few? With so many colleges to choose from, many are very similar and a comparable education could be obtained at several. Even at the most prestigious level this can hold true: ¬ Is one Ivy League that different from the next?

Applications can also be very expensive, and narrowing down a list of schools can be difficult, as well.

Then comes the issue of when to apply. Early Decision (ED) refers to applying to a school, and if accepted you are bound and must attend. ED can be scary, since making a commitment cuts off options in terms of education and finances. Most ED applications are due November first, so the stress is piling on for those with the upcoming due date. Early Action refers to merely applying early without committing to attending if accepted. Though it’s rarely offered anymore, it is usually a good choice for people who know exactly what they want to do. Yet Regular Decision remains the go-¬to.

Generally, people end up attending a college where they can become successful. Especially in undergraduate programs, the school itself matters much less than the work that a student is willing to do. So even if some of our seniors don’t get into their top choices, it is far from the end of the world.