The class of 2025 is off to new adventures as they head to 180 different colleges to continue their studies, including 4 international schools in Canada, Spain, Ireland and the Philippines. There were numerous possibilities for Hi’s Eye’s Top 4 colleges. But still, as of Hi’s Eye print deadline, Rutgers University once again reigns as the most selected school with 29 expected incoming WHS students. Penn State University and Indiana University are back on top as well and Syracuse University re-joins the Top 4 for the first time in a while.
RUTGERS
With 29 students attending this fall, Rutgers still stands as the most popular choice among WHS Seniors despite the decrease in its acceptance rate this year. With its main campus in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers offers a blend of academic strength, proximity to home and fun sporting events as a Big Ten school. Senior Mica Gensler-Canale admitted she was initially hesitant to attend Rutgers. “I didn’t want to go because people don’t typically want to go to their state school,” she said. However, Gensler-Canale said, “I liked the urban environment of New Brunswick and the tuition is much lower, so I’m able to graduate without debt.” The accessibility to New York City and the diverse classes offer many opportunities for future Scarlet Knights to advance their careers. Senior Maya Mehta said, “What drew me to Rutgers was its good name for jobs after graduation.”
PENN STATE
Penn State University continues to be a top choice for WHS Seniors, tying with Syracuse this year with 19 expected students. Known for its unbeatable school spirit (particularly the White Out games at Beaver Stadium), welcoming environment, strong academics and diverse student life, it is easy to see why 19 seniors will be heading to University Park, PA this fall. For senior Anna Sternberg, her decision was personal. “My brother goes there and after visiting, I fell in love with the campus and the school spirit,” she shared. She’s looking forward to “having independence, meeting new people and getting to go to college game days.” Senior Enzo Ferrero, an expected business major, was drawn to the university’s academic reputation and atmosphere. “You never really hear anything bad about the place and I think it’s a testament to the people there,” Ferrero said.
SYRACUSE
Syracuse University surprised many by making it onto the list for the first time in a while as one of the top choices for WHS Seniors, tied with Penn State at 19 students set to attend this fall. With its strong academic programs and spirited campus, the university, located in Syracuse, NY, stood out to students who were looking for a lively yet welcoming school while also being relatively close to home. Senior Amelia Mamlet said, “I wanted a major that focuses on the business side of the music industry, which isn’t an option at most colleges. Syracuse emphasizes strong networking and hands-on experience in the specific industry.” Senior Farid Habayeb, who had a more emotional reason for choosing Syracuse said, “It has always felt like home. I grew up watching their basketball and football teams my whole life with my dad, so making the choice to apply early decision was so easy.”
INDIANA
For the second year in a row, Indiana University, located in Bloomington, IN, lands on this year’s list with 17 WHS seniors choosing to attend this university in the fall. Beyond academics, the university offers a strong community and high-level athletics, creating an ideal environment for both personal and academic growth. Incoming Kelley School of Business student Alice Xi said, “I’m so excited for Big Ten game days and the school spirit; the vibe was so contagious on campus when I visited.” The Kelley School of Business is a Top 20 business school in the nation and continues to draw in Blue Devils each year due to its prestige. Future Hoosier Danny Digney said, “Being able to live on my own for the first time in my life on a safe campus was so important to me and Indiana University was one of the only schools that felt safe and like a home away from home.”