For most seniors, college decision day is the culmination of the entire college decision process. While waitlists are still active, all students are required to commit to a college by May 1, essentially choosing the college they plan on attending next year. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the date was extended unanimously by many colleges until June 1, so that prospective students would have ample time to make the decision that was right for them, as it can be an incredibly difficult decision to make.

 The College Board has agreed with speculators that even though the application process is over, every student must maintain their integrity, which means that they remain ethical. The College Board has stated that the two most unethical things a student can do are to lie about themselves in their applications and to commit to more than one institution. There have been scandals in the past where students have put down “double deposits,” where they commit to two schools for the purpose of pushing back their decision until fall and definitive enrollment. 

Seniors at Princeton Day School have first-hand experiences with college admissions this year. Senior Ben Bigdelle stated that “college decision day was stressful because although I was accepted to a school ED, I was concerned for some of my friends and their outcomes as I witnessed various deferrals and rejections.” Similarly, senior Josh Colonaadded that “Decisions this year for me were very tough, because  I had a good amount of options, but I still had to pick one. Even though it was a really hard and stressful decision, I am excited for what is to come and that the process is basically over.”

All of the students and faculty at Princeton Day School are amazed by and incredibly proud of our seniors, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish.