Franklin High School seniors have committed to colleges, and are getting ready to take the next important steps in their lives, and develop bright futures. Here’s what a few of them have to say about the schools they chose, and some advice for underclassmen approaching the college search.
Student: Conor Bond
College: University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA.
Major: Communications with a focus in Film.
Why he chose his school: “This school continues to move up the ranks as a top-tier university. It’s standards are very impressive. I love the campus and the surrounding town. It’s very big, which allows me to both enjoy and escape the party atmosphere.”
How he feels: “I’m not nervous at all because I know it’s the school for me. I couldn’t be more excited because I’m tired of high school and I’m ready to move on to bigger things.”
His advice: “Do not exclude any colleges from your search based on preconceived notions. Research and visit as many schools as possible. You might be surprised.”
Student: Christina Connelly
College: Providence College, RI.
Major: Business Finance
Why she chose her school: “The location in the city, the type of people that go there, and the nightlife is really fun and they have really good academics.”
How she feels: “I’m really excited to meet new people and start over somewhere new. I’m nervous for the change in academics because I know it will be a lot harder than high school.”
Her advice: “Start the process as early as possible. Get SATs and college tours out of the way, do the common app over the summer with the essay, and I recommend doing early action because you get to know your options sooner. Senior grades matter, because they can be the ultimate decision maker for a college acceptance or rejection.”
Student: Adam Moessing
College: Brigham Young University, UT.
Major: Finance.
Why he chose this school: “Religion, both my parents went there, great business program, relatively inexpensive tuition, and family in the area.”
How he feels: “I’m nervous because it’s a totally new thing and I don’t know a lot of people. But I’m excited because it’s just furthering my education and a chance to meet new people and do new things.”
His advice: “Take high school classes that interest you, not just ones that you think are easy A’s.”
Student: Brooke Lepage
College: Trinity College, CT.
Major: Public Policy and Law.
Why she chose her school: “The second I stepped onto Trinity’s campus I knew I could see myself going there. My major combines 2 majors she was considering into one, which is rare to find at a school.”
How she feels: “Finding a school you can really see yourself at takes away the nerves. I’ll miss Franklin a lot but I honestly can’t wait to go.”
Her advice: “Don’t let yourself get stressed out.There’s a school for everyone and things always end up working out no matter what.”
Student: Colton Cardinal
College: Boston College, MA.
Major: Undecided with plans of majoring in Environmental Geoscience. Also playing football. Why he chose his school: “Loved the atmosphere, loved the people, and it offered the best fit to challenge myself both academically and athletically.”
How he feels: “I’m more excited than nervous but such a huge change in environment and day to day life would make anyone nervous.”
His advice: “Be honest with yourself on the kind of vibe you get from a school and make a decision on what’s best for your interest beyond just the academic life.”
Student: Samantha Janell
College: Simmons College, MA.
Major: Nursing.
Why she chose her school: “It was the best option location wise, and I will have so many more opportunities in my major there.”
How she feels: “I’m mostly excited to be independent!”
Her advice: “Get everything done early, and apply to a variety of schools, even if you think you don’t know exactly where you want to go.”
Student: Sean Cole
College: University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA.
Major: Enrolled in Business school with an undecided major
Why he chose his school: “My dad went there, the business school is top notch, and I wanted to apply to a bigger school rather than smaller schools. It’s a very affordable school for a great education.”
How he feels: “Excited because it seems so fun and a new part of my life.”
His advice: “Definitely go on college visits. You’ll never know what you want until you’ve seen it first hand.”
Student: Bridget Johnson
College: Johnson and Wales, RI.
Major: Fashion Retail and Merchandising.
Why she chose her school: “They have an awesome fashion program and lots of great connections with major fashion labels.”
How she feels: “I’m excited to be doing what I love and to get involved in fashion, but nervous to be on my own and make new friends.”
Her advice: “Don’t get too stressed or upset- it’s not as big of a deal as it seems. Get your applications done and try hard during senior year.”
Student: Tyler Varda
College: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, MA.
Major: Business.
Why he chose his school: “I liked how it was a smaller school. I loved the outdoor fields and spaces, and the campus lifestyle really appealed to me with clubs, and the fitness center. It seemed like they had a lot to offer that interested me.”
How he feels: “Very excited! I can’t wait to meet new people and have my own schedule, but at the same time theres that first day of school nervousness that we all go through.”
His advice: “Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Work smarter not harder- if you overwork yourself you’ll get overwhelmed, so just take things one step at a time.”
Student: Jessica Garrigan
College: Boston College, MA.
Major: Business or Accounting.
Why she chose her school: “I was immediately welcomed by so many enthusiastic students and professors and I just felt like I belonged there.”
How she feels: “I’m really excited! Each time I visit the campus it gets me more and more excited for next year.”
Her Advice: “Start everything early, it will save you a lot of time and stress during your senior year.”
Student: Austen Sholudko
College: University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA.
Major: Biochemistry, History, or Polyscience.
Why he chose his school: “It is affordable, a good school, big, and has all the possible majors I’m interested in.”
How he feels:“I’m excited to go because it’ll be fun, but i’m nervous because of meeting new people and training for swimming.”
His advice: “Don’t stress.”
Student: Sam Socha
College: Ithaca College, NY.
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications.
Why she chose her school: “It has a really well known and respected communications program which really drew me in. I thought this was important when looking for internships and jobs in the future. The town is amazing too.”
How she feels: “I am both nervous and excited! It’s over 5 hours away so that’s a big step! But I’m excited because I will meet a ton of new people!”
Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to apply to your reach schools- it doesn’t hurt to try. Apply early so you can find out if you got in earlier- it makes things more enjoyable.”
Student: Andrew Parent
College: University of New Haven, CT.
Major:Business Management.
Why he chose his school: “I really liked the campus, it just felt like home, and I could see myself going there. I am also playing football there.”
How he feels: “I’m nervous, but I think I’m more excited! I can’t wait to be in college and start a new chapter in my life.”
His advice: “Start early and do not procrastinate, it is stressful but once you choose a school its a terrific feeling.”
Student: Maddie Bressler
College: Saint Anselm College, NH.
Major: Nursing.
Why she chose her school: “I got on campus and instantly knew that it was the one. It just felt right, everything there felt like home and I felt like I belonged. The nursing and field hockey programs were both definitely right for me- it just clicked!”
How she feels: “I’m beyond excited- I did an overnight with the field hockey team and it made me so excited for the fall!”
Her advice: “Start early! If you’re interested in playing a sport for a school, get your name out there! Also, make sure a school has what you’re interested in before you just look at athletics. Take tours and get on campus to make sure it’s truly for you!”