WOODBURY — As the deadline creeps closer and closer, the Class of 2023 has a life-changing decision to make: college. After receiving their college acceptance letters, students have loads of questions and factors that go into making a final decision.

How do the seniors make that life-changing decision?

There are a lot of thoughts that make seniors consider certain colleges over the other ones, a process which ends up helping them make their final decision. 

“I decided on University of Maine because I heard it was a good school for wildlife and I knew that I wanted to pursue something in that direction,” said 2022 NHS graduate Michael Lynch. “I knew some people up there already and they said really good things about it.” 

Even though Lynch made what he thought was his long-term college decision, Lynch ended up transferring to Naugatuck Valley Community College. 

“The campus wasn’t a vibe for me, the food is awful, and it is such a far drive,” Lynch stated. “I didn’t like most of my professors, either.” 

Certain factors like the food, campus and professors can make or break students at a college. Some of these factors are ones you don’t understand until you start actually living there on campus. 

Many people decide on a college farther away from home where they would have to stay on campus, and sooner or later some find themselves in a situation where their dream of being far away from home changes. 

Some students love the idea of being far away from home, but many transfer back to a closer school after just one semester, realizing that it’s not what they’re looking for. 

“I decided to transfer to NVCC because as the semester at Maine went on, I wasn’t really feeling it,” Lynch stated. 

It’s never too early to think about college and narrow down your options once you get those acceptance letters, or even before they arrive. It’s good to get a good idea of what school makes you feel more comfortable than the others. On-campus visits and talking to students who go to these colleges and universities help big time. 

“I feel that you should really dig deep into research about every college that you might be thinking of,” Lynch said. “I wish I did more of that. Also, just call and ask questions about anything. That’s why those people are there.”  

Talking to students that go to the school you’re interested in gives you a better idea of what to expect if you choose that college. 

“They’re going to be honest and know more relatable and relevant information,” said Alyssa DeMarest, another NHS 2022 graduate.  

Lynch wishes he talked to more people about the college he decided on before realizing it wasn’t for him. For others, those conversations might be making sure to visit the campus and get a feel for it beforehand.

Emily Lungarini, a senior who will attend Western Connecticut State University, chose a school relatively close to home after weighing a number of factors.

“Some of the biggest things for me was the campus is a half-hour away, so I can still move out, but be close enough to my house where I can come home if I need to,” Lungarini said. “My main deciding factor was their music program. They have one of the best music programs in the Northeast, and I absolutely love the people and the professors that are at that school.”

Even though some students feel the need to transfer schools, others know exactly how they will like the school before starting a semester. 

“I think when picking a college, it’s important to try and see what the school is actually like for the students as opposed to just what they’re advertising to potential students in their brochures and on their visitor days,” DeMarest said. “If you know someone at the school, ask them.”