Instant Acceptance: Colleges Recruit 35 Caldwell Area High School Seniors

West Caldwell, NJ – Nearly 20 percent of the senior class at James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell breathed a little easier this holiday season following the school’s annual “Instant Decision Day” on Thursday, Dec. 3.

According to school officials, 35 members of the graduating class – nearly half of which were awarded scholarships - were accepted to area colleges or universities during the event.

“This was the third annual Instant Decision Day and it continues to be a successful and stress-relieving event for many of our seniors,” said Blackman. “This year, we were excited to increase the number of colleges and universities who participated in the day from eight to ten. It was a really great day for the students and the schools.”

Coordinated by Lisa Blackman, JCHS supervisor of guidance, the event included Caldwell University, East Stroudsburg University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Johnson and Wales University, Kean University, Montclair State University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rider University, Seton Hall University and William Paterson University.

For senior Brendan Peter, the event was a complete success.

“My first choice was Montclair State University,” Peter said. “I am in and now my college searching is complete.”

School officials plan to continue with the Instant Decision Day event next year.

“Senior year can be stressful when students are waiting to hear back from colleges,” Blackman said. “Instant decisions help students make plans a little sooner, and hopefully made their holidays a little brighter.”

Photo caption: Senior Brendan Peter (left) from James Caldwell High School, West Caldwell, shares a smile with representatives from Montclair State University, Jeff Bendett and Stephanie Herman, during the high school’s annual Instant Decision Day on December 3, 2015.

Photo courtesy of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District

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