Jan. 12, 2024
By Jocelyn Torres
Staff Writer
Twenty-nine seniors participated in Instant Decision Day on Dec. 15. At this annual event, which took place in the media center, seniors had the chance to meet with admissions representatives from nine New Jersey colleges and universities who evaluated their applications and provided them with immediate feedback.
Guidance counselor Mrs. Stacy, who organized Instant Decision Day with the help of the Student Services Department, said over 40 acceptances were granted at the event.
“The students basically benefit because [they] could walk away with nine acceptances if [they] meet all of the qualifications, and a lot of the schools that [participate] waive their application fee,” Stacy said.
She said the in-person interviews gave admissions representatives a chance to get to know the student beyond what is included in their application.
“They’re learning about [the applicant] as a person,” Stacy said. “Nothing can beat in-person.”
Senior Yahir Perea said he appreciated getting the chance to talk to an admissions representative in person.
“It is easier to get an understanding of a student in person than [on] a piece of paper,” Perea said.
Perea was admitted to Seton Hall University in South Orange after meeting with its admissions representative.
“Seton Hall showed me a positive and diverse environment that I feel I could fit in, especially with the people I’ve seen at the campus being friendly overall. I also enjoyed the look and feel of the school,” Perea said.
“It is easier to get an understanding of a student in person than [on] a piece of paper.”
He said Seton Hall’s affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church and proximity to Lyndhurst, which would allow him to commute, also appeals to him.
Perea, who plans to major in business or engineering, said once he hears back from all of the schools to which he applied, he will weigh his options and make the decision that is most financially responsible.
Perea said Instant Decision Day was a pleasant experience because the guidance counselors made the process easy and straightforward for students.
“All high schools should give students the opportunity to [interact with] a variety of colleges in and out of their state, letting students explore and… have a view [of] a college,” Perea said.
Senior PJ Torres, who gained acceptances from Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah and Seton Hall during Instant Decision Day, said he is glad he decided to participate in the event.
“[It allowed me] to explore more schools and get to know them a little bit more as well as know if I got accepted by them,” Torres said.
Torres, who plans on majoring in Theatre Studies and K-12 Theatre Education, said prior to Instant Decision Day, he had received acceptances from seven universities. He said he most likely will attend Montclair State University, which was not among the schools represented at Instant Decision Day.
Even though Instant Decision Day will probably not impact the trajectory of his postsecondary education, Torres said he encourages upcoming seniors to participate in the event.
“Take time out of your day to go and experience this as it lifts an abundant amount of weight from your shoulders about waiting for a response from a college,” said Torres.
