By Jennifer Newman, Staff Writer
As Decision Day approaches, high school seniors everywhere are finalizing one of the most important decisions of their lives: where they will attend college. While the process can be stressful and time-consuming, it ultimately reflects each student’s priorities, whether that be academics, finances, location or personal connections. For three seniors, their decisions came together in very different ways, but each found a school that felt like the right fit.
For Noelle Markos, the University of Georgia quickly rose to the top of her list. From the beginning, she knew she wanted to go out of state, and the idea of living somewhere warmer was a major factor in her search. After visiting campus, her decision became much clearer. “When I toured, it just felt right,” she said. “The campus was beautiful, and I could actually see myself living there and being happy.”
Beyond the environment, Noelle was also focused on finding a school that could support her academic goals. As a pre-law student, she wanted strong programs and opportunities that would prepare her for the future. “They offer a lot academically that I was really looking for,” she explained. “It made me feel confident that I’d be set up well for law school.”
Financially, the decision was also influenced by a scholarship she received. “Getting the scholarship made a huge difference,” she said because “it made going out of state feel a lot more possible.” She was also excited about the chance to study abroad, something she hopes to take advantage of during her time in college. “I love that they have really good study abroad opportunities,” she added. “That’s something I definitely want to do.”
Samara Resnick’s decision to attend the University of Delaware was shaped by a balance of independence and familiarity. Like Noelle, she wanted to go out of state, but she also didn’t want to be too far from home. Delaware offered the ideal distance. “It’s far enough that I feel like I’m getting a new experience, but close enough that I can still come home easily,” she said.
A scholarship also played an important role in her choice, making the school more affordable. However, it was the campus itself that truly stood out to her. “It’s so pretty and green, and it honestly looks like something out of a movie,” she said. “It’s exactly what I pictured when I thought about going to college.”
In addition to the atmosphere, Samara was drawn to the university’s strong health science program. As a health behavior science major, she wanted to make sure she would receive a quality education in her field. “Their program is really strong, and that was a big factor for me,” she explained. “I wanted to feel confident in what I’d be studying.”
For Mary Maiorana, the college decision process looked very different. While many seniors spend months weighing multiple options, Mary had her mind made up long before Decision Day. She will be attending the University of South Carolina, a school she has been connected to for years. With her sister currently enrolled and close family friends attending as well, the campus has always felt familiar. “I’ve visited so many times that it already feels like home,” she said. That sense of comfort made her decision much easier. “I always knew I wanted to go there,” she explained. “I didn’t really feel the need to look anywhere else.”
Because of her certainty, Mary committed early, avoiding much of the stress that often comes with the college decision process. “Committing early definitely made things less stressful,” she added. “I didn’t have to worry about making a last-minute choice.”
Although each student’s journey was unique, their stories highlight some of the key factors that influence Decision Day choices. Financial aid, campus atmosphere, academic programs and personal connections all played a role in shaping their decisions. For these seniors, Decision Day is not just about choosing a college. It represents the start of a new chapter filled with independence, opportunity and growth. As graduation approaches, they look ahead with excitement, ready to take the next step in their education and their lives.