HHS Seniors College Bound

The grueling task of planning for college is never easy. Especially when you're a Harrison High School senior and are deciding on whether to stay close to home or attend college out of town.

Christopher Miller, director of guidance at Harrison High School, said that the guidance department encourages students to keep their options open when they submit their college applications.

"We encourage our students to look at a range of schools, whether it's cost, location or a range of rigor - so that when all is said and done, and they begin to receive their acceptances, they have choices and they can evaluate what's important to them."

Kristy Grammas, one of the guidance counselors at HHS said that it is ultimately the student's decision where they would prefer to continue their education. The application process begins in junior year.

"When you start out the application process in the fall in junior year you're tying up loose ends and it takes a lot of time with rigorous course loads and demands," she said. "Many factors come into play whether it's maturity, finances, readiness to go away or if they want to stay locally." 

"Some students feel they have good positions here in terms of jobs where they feel they can best stay home for at least a year and then go away; so that really comes out to be a personal family decision."

Senior Devon Brodsky, who will be attending Vanderbilt University in the fall, likes the idea of going away to college and being more independent.

"I'd rather go on a plane than sit in a car and it didn't matter how long the ride was; I just wanted to get away so I can learn how to be on my own - because after college you're going to be on your own," said Brodsky.

Senior Margherita Santelia is planning to attend the University of Michigan.

"Originally my mom wanted me to stay close to home around here and a few years ago when we started looking at schools that was what she was pushing and when I started the whole college process I knew I didn't want to stay home. I wanted the experience to grow and meet new people and be independent," said Santelia. "I chose the school that was the best opportunity for me it didn't matter the distance."

Senior Matt Jacobson, is still undecided about what college he'll attend, but prefers to stay close to home.

"I would like to stay in the Northeast but I don't have a personal preference as to where I want to go," he said. "I want the experience of being away from my family but at the same time I want to be near them and spend the holidays with my parents and my cousins who have been so important to me and I don't want to forget about them."

Two local colleges, Concordia and Iona, said they welcome HHS students.

"Iona College (New Rochelle) has always had a strong relationship with Harrison High School and its students," said Kevin Cavanagh, Iona assistant vice president for college admissions. "Each year, very qualified young men and women who seek a small liberal arts curriculum close to home choose to apply and enroll at Iona College, and we are delighted to have them on our campus."

Admissions Counselor Jessica Majestic of Concordia College in Bronxville said their school might be an attractive option for HHS students who want to commute locally because of its small, personalized, environment.

"The students have a lot of one-on-one time with their professors so they really get to know their professors and classmates," she said. "We're a small liberal arts college that offers many different programs that are well recognized in their respective fields, so Concordia is good name to have on their degree, especially if they want to stay locally."

The seniors of HHS are set to graduate soon and their choice of colleges, whether it's local or far away, will certainly have a great impact on their future. We wish them and the entire graduating class this year the best of luck.