It’s that time of year once again. Current high school seniors are in the thick of it. Since September, students have been both applying to and hearing back from colleges. The process, especially applications, prove to be long and tedious for many. Once finished, all that is left to do is wait for months. December is when schools will start releasing decisions, so many may have acceptances before the new year. As they roll in, many may find themselves with choices, so what must come next is the hardest: making the final decision.
Many seniors will apply to multiple schools to have choices, especially because they are very competitive these days and there is no guarantee of getting in. Neva Combs ‘26 made sure to apply to a variety of schools, hopeful that some would come out as acceptances.
“I applied to around 10 schools,” Combs said. “Some are instate and a few are out of state. I wanted the option to stay close to home if I choose or try something different and leave Michigan.”
Picking schools to even apply to is a process of its own. Visiting campuses and researching all helps seniors narrow down their preferences. Connor Smith ‘26 applied to multiple schools and each was chosen for differing reasons.
“Academics and campus life are very important to me,” Smith said. “Some schools that I applied to have good sports teams and others have great educational opportunities, it will really come down to a school that has a good balance.”
Everyone has their reasons for why their heart may be set on a specific school. It can be prestige, family relations, or even the size of a school. Mia Gileniak ‘26 is confident in how she will choose her next destination, finding comfort in the classroom.
“Class size is at the top of my list for deciding factors,” Gileniak said. “I want to be more than just a number, rather having a true classroom experience where I can actually get to know my peers.”
Some want a tight-knit community and others are looking for the ra-ra of a larger school. Comb ‘26 has her heart set on a school already as she has many previous personal experiences with it.
“My sister goes to the University of Kentucky,” Combs said. “Every time I visit her, especially on game days, I have the best time. With all of their school spirit, I’m pretty much set on it and will hope to commit in the next few months.”
One can put so much thought into this difficult decision and still have second thoughts about their choices. It can be hard to make one choice that may determine a lot of your future. The important part is to pick a school tailored to you and your interests.
“I want a school that is good for my major, International Relations,” Smith said. “A school with a combination of everything, an overall good vibe, something that I know I will not regret.”
