While some students participate in athletics or a club during high school, others make choosing a college a professional sport. The process, from visiting schools to taking the SAT to applying, can induce panic attacks in the most valiant students.

Parents and teachers act as beacons to the monumental decisions seniors have to make; “if you don’t choose wisely, you’ll regret it forever.” Signing applications feels strangely similar to signing a marriage license. What if the school is not your soul mate?

However, the stress and immensity of the college decision is largely unwarranted. Although that confirmation letter to the lucky school does affect students’ future, it does not cement permanent success or failure.

If marital unhappiness occurs, transferring is always an option. While literal divorce is often ill-advised, the metaphorical choice can help students to find a place they are more comfortable. Knowing transfer is possible helps to relieve the constant worry of applying in the first place.

For other seniors, pressure from parents or talent can push them to endless bouts of anxiety. A 2300 on the SAT should not force someone to attend an Ivy League school. Likewise, a familial legacy can be detrimental to students laden with confusing college options.

In addition, when selecting a college, seniors should consider more than one factor, whether it be parental guidance or a beautiful campus. In fact, students who appreciate every aspect of a school will find much more “marital” contentment.

Sometimes a gut instinct proves most valuable, or a school’s reputation, or offering the desired programs. The word Harvard can transform a resume, but its affordability and rigid acceptance rate make the process more complicated and intimidating.

And while the process does require bravery and discretion, the college decision, admission and scholarship opportunities will not determine the fate of the world – not even the fate of one’s education.

High schools tout choosing a college as paramount to the rest of life. But in the end, it is the way students choose that matters most. Avoiding excessive stress is key to a happy “married” life. Which, after all, lasts only four years – not “till death do us part.”

For more opinions from The Feather staff, read the Aug. 31 editorial, The power of outlook or visit the opinions page.