Though spring break is a time of relaxation, meant to buffer the stress of third quarter with the grind of the fourth, there are always ways to think about what’s ahead. Many students take the opportunity to check out colleges during their spring break. It might seem like a lot to deal with, but have no fear! Exploring colleges is an important next step in many people’s journeys, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be stressful.

While some people will take the time to do a dedicated college search during the days we’re given to relax, that doesn’t have to be the case for everyone. And if you’re in the boat where you don’t even know where to start, that’s fine too! Norma Gutierrez, our Post-Secondary Counselor, has advice: “all the options that students can have once they graduate from Minnetonka High School, we offer the programming and have the information available for students to help explore.” Essentially, there’s an extensive network of people within the school working to help you with your college journey, no matter what stage you’re in. Ms. Gutierrez, for one, is always there to help you, as is your counselor. However, once you’ve cultivated a proper college list, it can be difficult to know where to go from there. Thankfully, we’ve got spring break coming up right now. If you’re going somewhere with a college you might want to visit, you don’t even need to change your plans that much. You can do many different kinds of visits: the best, according to Gutierrez, is a formal, structured visit, but “any time you can get on a campus is better than not.”

If you are going to visit a college, Gutierrez advises the best thing to do is “take notes… have conversations with [everyone].” Yet, if you can’t get out there and visit these campuses this spring, there are always other opportunities. Every year, the school hosts college fairs, which colleges visit and give information to students. There are also virtual tours, which have become prevalent in recent years. Other breaks, like Summer or MEA, are also great opportunities to explore your options.

In short, it’s best to get out there in whatever way is feasible for you. There are limitless ways to seize the future; all that remains is to find yours.