The stress associated with making the right college decision is still fresh for some seniors at SHS. There are many variables to consider: location, size, family legacy, college costs, weather, and distance from home–to name a few. The Scituation interviewed college-bound SHS seniors to determine their most popular reasons for picking schools.

Location was identified as the most important factor influencing college choice. Approximately %    of 2018 graduates are headed south of New England for their degree. The University of Delaware hit the mark with senior Megan Galvin, as she stated, “It’s beautiful, warm, big, and homey.” Octavia Alvarez commented about her decision to attend the University of Tampa, “I have family down there, so I wanted to be far away from Massachusetts but close to people I know.”

Another factor that weighed heavily on both students and parents was affordability. Tuition, fees, room and board, clothing costs (especially for colder climates), transportation, and Greek life all have associated costs. When asked why she chose St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Kayla Thompson said, “They gave me a huge scholarship, and career-wise it gives me more opportunities.”  Students who plan to attend graduate school gave serious consideration to the loans they will accrue as undergraduates.

Several students reported they had a specific college in mind because of their intended major. Senior Taylor Wolffer, who will be attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy, said, “It’s close to home and relatively cheap, and it’s literally one of the only schools that has my major.” Wolffer will be majoring in maritime business. Bridget Shurdut, who applied early decision to Northeastern, said, “The degree that I’m going for, bio-engineering, they just created the program three years ago, so all the facilities and labs are brand new.”

For student athletes, college decisions can be based on specific sports programs. Emily Norton said she chose to attend Roger Williams University because “they have a really good soccer program,” in addition to other factors such as location. Andrew Blanchard selected Denison University in Granville, Ohio, citing “good academics paired with pretty good sports.” (Denison’s football team went an impressive 7-3 last year.) Conor Hughes will be attending the University of Maine at Orono, where he will be a member of their Division I swim team.