College. It’s either sneaking up faster than imagined or the next four years are already carefully calculated.

Although applying for college may seem ages away, deadlines creep closer with each passing day. However, Connie Constantin (12) has not only already applied, she has been accepted.

“I was accepted to Missouri State, and I just applied to Mizzou,” Constantin said. “I did it so early because I didn’t want to retake the A.C.T., and I was curious if my current score could get me into school.”

As the dorm decorating ideas pile up on Pinterest and the stack of college mail grows each day, the idea of graduating and starting a new life becomes more realistic for the Class of 2014.

With the pressure of  the application process bearing down, the EHS staff becomes a readily available resource.

“I’d say research universities that have your desired field,” Mr. Dan Thoman, 12th grade principal, said. “If there are any questions or concerns, make time to see Mr. [Jeff] Buckmann, our college counselor.”

Students need to take the initiative.

“I haven’t applied because I’m undecided as to what college I want to attend, so I keep putting it off,” Ashley Schwinn (12) said. “There are so many colleges, I don’t know.”

With 4,168 colleges in the United States, there are a variety of options. Narrowing them down can be a little daunting.

“There are a lot of things I need to decide before I choose where I want to go,” Schwinn said. “There are a lot of options: in-state, out-of-state, community college or a four-year university. Then there’s the financial stuff that comes with all of it.”

The application is just the first step, but it is a step required at any institution of higher education. The average student uses 400 sheets of paper in the application process, according to www.ivywise.com, a site helping students with their acedemic careers ranging from pre-school to graduate school.

“The application process isn’t actually that long or bad,” Johnny Anselmo (12) said. “I’d say to the other seniors that they should do it as early as possible and get it over with.”

Websites such as www.petersons.com have helpful resources with options like College Search, How to Pay, How to Choose and How to Get In. College Board has created an easily-accessible, online, intereactive databases to simplify the search.

The majesty of the columns at Mizzou cannot be felt behind a computer screen, and it’s difficult to Photoshop oneself into a picture with MSU’s mascot.

“My advice to other seniors is to visit the campus before you apply,” Constantin said. “The online pictures really don’t do it justice. It’s better to see it in person.”

As the days shorten and time quickens, the dream of college is becoming a reality.