For many seniors, the last couple weeks are a relief. Finals don’t pose the threat they once did, college applications are in, and an acceptance letter or two may have already reached their doorstep.

Although the bulk of students have finished their applications and sent them in, there are very few who know where they’re going. Unless they’re an athlete who’s committed, or they’ve received an acceptance letter from their dream school, the next phase of the process is going to be students deciding where they’ll end up. The biggest factors here are acceptance, money, distance, and visits. Seniors have until May 1st to make their decisions.

Seniors like Brenden Erickson are 100% done with the application process. He’s even already been accepted to The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina. Although he doubts he’ll end up there, he says he likes the peace of mind knowing he’s been accepted somewhere.

“I’m in a comfortable spot, I’m glad I don’t have to worry about my applications,” he said.

But that’s not the case for everyone. There are a few students who have not yet applied at all, and are waiting until later regular decision deadlines, many of which cut into the first few weeks of the second semester.

Ben Fanning ’16 has not yet applied to any schools, and he goes on to say, “I’ve been too busy with schoolwork and finishing Eagle Scout requirements. I hope to accomplish them over winter break.”

Moving on, Regis Jesuit students have applied anywhere and everywhere this year, as to be expected.

“It’s a pretty healthy mix, I think.” says Jacqueline Phillips, one of five college counsellors in the college counseling center.

It’s great to know where you’ve been accepted, but the typical student should by no means have a decision made by now. With another six plus months until the decision deadline, there’s absolutely no rush.

“They have until May 1st, it’s a national deadline,” said Phillips. “That way if you’re applying for financial aid and scholarships you have an opportunity to find out about that first.”

2016 is playing out as another successful year of college bound Regis Jesuit grads, and as always, the people in the college counseling center are here to help with all questions and concerns regarding the path to higher education, no matter what grade.

Listen to a full interview with Phillips here.