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The Edge understands that school and college applications are extremely important and cannot be ignored. The stress of it all is probably already encroaching on your daily life.

Thank goodness that there is one place you can always go for an escape. It's a quick laugh with Michael Scott, solving a murder with "NCIS," or just feeling better about yourself because you aren't a "Real Housewife" of, well, anywhere. So, here are a few of The Edge's favorite shows and what we think of the start of the new fall season.

"GLEE"

(Note: This show contains material that may not be suitable for children younger than 13. Viewer discretion is advised.)

My first impression of "Glee" was that it would be like Disney's "High School Musical." I was in for a rude awakening when it came to the sexual content. While "High School Musical" is squeaky clean, Fox's "Glee" is not afraid to get a little dirty. Funnily enough, it's probably for that same reason that "Glee" might be one of fall's hottest new shows.

Each character on "Glee" adds his or her own complexities to the show, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. It's characters like Will Schuester and his overbearing wife to Emma Pillsbury, the guidance counselor who's in love with a married man, to Rachel Berry, the insecure drama nerd with phenomenal talent.

For those of you who haven't already checked out "Glee," I suggest you watch it -- preferably not with your parents. I can assure you that you are in for a hilarious and unexpected surprise.

-- Madhura Chitnavis, Hidden Valley High School

"THE OFFICE"

To say "The Office" is back is, in a way, understating it. The first episode this season had possibly the best intro of any episode. And if you haven't seen it, just know it involves yelling, jumping, running and an Internet sensation from 2004.

The rest of the first episode this season also did particularly well in its use of gossip about Dunder Mifflin's employees. I won't spoil anymore. What I will say is that "The Office" hasn't just come back, the show has stormed back.

The NBC show has its own particular brand of humor that some people just don't quite understand. To those who do understand, it's pretty much the funniest show on TV. If you've found yourself staying away from "The Office" for any reason, there's no better time to join in than now.

There is a sense of story line in each season, but it isn't a show like "Lost" or "Heroes" where you have to catch up to be able to enjoy the newest episodes. All you've got each week is a group of employees who work at a paper company called Dunder Mifflin who all have unique personalities, which causes hilarity to ensue. I dare you to watch it and not laugh.

-- Evan Cameron, Cave Spring High School

"30 ROCK"

The previous season of "30 Rock" on NBC ended with incredible guest stars, music numbers and comedy. The show about a comedy program also recently received the outstanding comedy series award at the Emmy awards.

The fourth season begins Oct. 15, and I cannot wait. This show has kept my attention with its style, which never fails to amuse me and my family. I'm sure that this upcoming season will be just as amazing, and will tie up a few loose ends regarding Jack Donaghy's biological father.

The spectacle of the finale of last season, which featured a wonderful music act, should set the stage for this new season. My family and I are waiting impatiently for this show to come back into our lives.

-- Kelly Hastings, William Fleming High School

"UGLY BETTY"

Although many of the "Ugly Betty" episodes last season were disappointing, the later episodes offered hope for better things to follow, such as the reintroduction of Betty's old boyfriend, Henry, and a potential love triangle for Betty with Matt, her new guy.

"Ugly Betty" is about a young woman who is trying to make a name for herself while working at a high-fashion magazine.

Even if Matt does not become a love interest for Betty in this new season that starts Friday, his role as Betty's angry new boss is likely to be entertaining. Betty's much-needed makeover is also something to look forward to, as adult braces and frumpy clashing outfits only offer so much interest. Despite the unfortunate move to Friday nights, the mix of new and old material should help revive the ABC show to the appeal of its first season.

-- Oneida Huntington, Auburn High School

"GOSSIP GIRL"

When "Gossip Girl" premiered on the CW two years ago it instantly became America's favorite new guilty pleasure. The series follows the lives of privileged teens in New York City.

We watched as Serena whined her way through her scandals, as Jenny got progressively more raccoonlike, and as Chuck and Blair ruined their nonexistent relationship over and over and over again until last season when Chuck finally said those three little words that B had been waiting to hear.

And now, after a long, hot summer, "Gossip Girl" is back with a vengeance (literally, if you're Georgina).

Blair is adjusting to life on the Lower East Side as her beautiful best friend, Serena, begs for attention from her long-lost Daddy in the worst way. Rufus and Lily's love child has randomly become Vanessa's new love interest.

And everyone's favorite pretty boy Nate has a whole Romeo and Juliet thing going on with Bree.

"Gossip Girl" is sure to get crazier this season and sure not to disappoint. So, stay glued to your TV -- you know you love the show, xoxo...

-- Amy Friedman, Patrick Henry High School

"HEROES"

There are heroes like Superman and Spider-Man who appear to be common citizens but are, in reality, much more. The stories of these physically enhanced characters have appealed to children and adults for decades. Is it possible, however, to put yourself in their shoes?

I believe it is difficult to relate to a man who can shoot spider webs out of his fingers. However, I could see myself in Hiro Nakamura's place. He's a young man wasting his life away in a congested cubicle until one day he discovers that time and space are at his fingertips.

There are times when I find myself watching NBC's "Heroes" and having a strong desire to go to a library and pick up a book on Mohinder Suresh's research regarding the mutations that exist in all of the DNA of the characters.

Obviously, it is impossible for humans to fly, manipulate minds, travel through time and create fire in the palm of their hands.

I am a huge fan of suspense and science fiction, but when watching "Heroes" I sometimes forget that these people do not exist in everyday life.

-- Aysha Iqbal, Hidden Valley High School

"ONE TREE HILL"

"One Tree Hill" returned last month on the CW but not all of its beloved residents returned with it. The show infamously said goodbye to its leading couple, Lucas and Peyton, at the end of season six.

The change left the show's fans thinking the same thing, "How could the show go on?" However, the series that focuses on the lives of a group of friends has continued on with many familiar faces and a few new ones.

While fans are hoping the show hasn't made a tragic mistake, the show's future doesn't look promising. With the suggestion that Nathan and Haley, the show's most stable couple, could be having problems, and the inkling that the notorious villain Dan could possibly have cheated death yet again, one can only wonder what's going to happen this season.

Nevertheless, there are a few crowd pleasers. Brooke and Julian are still going strong, and football great Jerry Rice has made a guest appearance. But, after a disappointing season premiere, one is left to wonder how guest appearances and one happy couple can be compared to the damage of losing the show's most pivotal characters.

-- Joy Powers, Staunton River High School

"NCIS"

The hit show "NCIS" is, in my opinion, the best program on TV. The show airs on CBS and follows a team of special agents that investigate crimes involving naval officers.

Jethro Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, Ziva David and Tim McGee are the main characters of the show, and they investigate different crimes in each episode.

Last month marked the premiere of the seventh season, and it did not disappoint. Fans know that Ziva had been captured by a terrorist cell, although the rest of the team thought she had returned to the Israeli Mossad agency. When Tony and Tim discovered what really happened, they devised a plan to rescue Ziva and kill the terrorist that captured her. I won't ruin the ending, but I will give the show two thumbs up.

-- Charlie Clark, Hidden Valley High School

"LINCOLN HEIGHTS"

The new season of "Lincoln Heights" is awesome and intriguing. The series is full of love, compassion, anger, chastisement and perseverance in every show.

"Lincoln Heights" is about an L.A. cop who moves his family from the suburbs to the inner-city neighborhood where he grew up.

The show on ABC Family causes you to eagerly await what will happen next. And just as the audience starts to believe the show is simple and obvious there is a dramatic twist that meets you in the next episode.

This show is also very family friendly. Just when you were thinking it is now fall and there will be nothing to do or to watch, there is "Lincoln Heights." So, grab your family, best friend, cat or dog and enjoy.

-- Shomari Pasley, Patrick Henry High School

"FRINGE"

The new season of "Fringe" has started, and this year it’s crazier than ever. The Fringe division is continuing to solve a string of paranormal occurrences, better known as the "Pattern." With alternate realities, time travel, black holes and unknown species, the Fringe scientists have to test and investigate these strange and unexplainable occurrences.

J.J. Abrams, one of the producers of "Lost," is also a producer of this creepy sci-fi show that appears on Fox.

-- Cameron Austin, Hidden Valley High School

Reality TV

"THE HILLS"

Perhaps it’s a mocking disregard or envy that causes millions of viewers to flock to "The Hills" on MTV. One thing is certain, though, season six will likely be a hit.

The series is about privileged people living in Los Angeles and their friendships, careers and romances.

Although the show has said goodbye to Lauren Conrad, there will still be more than enough drama to go around. The infamous drama queen, Kristin Cavallari, will return. Of course, the show’s famous "it" couple, Spencer and Heidi Pratt, will still be around to poke fun at.

But, it seems the most anticipated drama will be the rumors of a love triangle between the on-again/off-again couple, Audrina Patridge and Justin Brescia, and Kristin Cavallari.

Scripted or not, one can always count on "The Hills" to be full of lying, cheating and dysfunctional relationships, and it looks like this season will be no different.

-- Joy Powers, Staunton River High School

"SURVIVOR"

After 18 seasons, a viewer begins to doubt whether anything on "Survivor" — the landmark reality show competition on CBS — could be original or not. That question was answered on the new season premiere last month.

Like in previous seasons, the cast is full of the typical stereotypes, such as the lawyers, the athletes and the girly girls. But there is one character that clearly stands out, Russell Hantz.

Russell has taken the "bad guy" role to a new level, and his cast mates seem clueless to his schemes and lies. As the season progresses, Russell will clearly be the cast mate to watch.

-- Joy Powers, Staunton River High School

The Web site, www.tvguide.com, contributed to this article.