Senior Insights

How has Key prepared you for college?
The rigor of Key has taught me how to manage my time better and balance my social and academic life. Courses like Civ have helped develop my writing and analytical skills. Also, Key has taught me how to advocate for myself and build meaningful relationships with teachers across campus. 

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
Computer Science and Mathematics 

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
One of the most important things I did to find a college was visiting almost all of the schools I was interested in. I feel like reading about the schools online wasn’t enough for me to truly figure out if I belonged there. So being able to step on campus and see if I felt at home was extremely important for me. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
For juniors, I would say embrace the college search process. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it is important to find a place that speaks to you and a place where you can see yourself for the next four years. Make sure you use those college campus visits to the fullest and visit many different spots on campus. See what you like, what you don’t like, what you can tolerate etc. Make sure to visit the surrounding area of the college to see if you like it. 

Also, I would strongly recommend going to the college summer workshop. It is helpful so that you can get a lot of the college app process out of the way before senior year. I was able to come out of the workshop with a resume, the common app filled out, and a close-to-final draft of my personal statement. Use the workshop to your advantage before the beginning of your senior year gets hectic!!

Parents, allow your child to decide what they like and want in a school. You shouldn’t decide for them. Allow them to pick a place where they will grow into the best version of themselves after four years! For the actual college app process, I would recommend being supportive of your child. It can be a very stressful time for your child, and having a supportive parent can help immensely. 

What school did you choose and how did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
I ended up choosing Northeastern University. I liked their concept of experiential learning & their co-op program and I thought it could help me get the hands-on experience I wanted. I also really liked their computer science program. Additionally, I loved the city of Boston with its diversity and amazing opportunities for activities and research. I’m also spending my first year abroad at their London campus, which is awesome! Earlier in high school, I had wanted to study in the UK, but I still wanted the American college experience, which I am still getting! 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
At first, when I was looking for a college, I wanted to find a campus that was in the middle of a city but still had a traditional campus so that I could feel like I was still a part of a community. I started looking at schools in major cities in the northeast (and one in the south) and found schools whose STEM programs interested me. 

I was also looking for a medium/large diverse college that had access to lots of opportunities both in and outside of the community like internships, clubs, and research. Finally, even though I wanted a bigger school, I still wanted a community that had advisors that were caring and supportive. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I would say being able to reach out to Laura at any point and stop by her office with questions and concerns. She was very supportive throughout the whole college process. I also love how one-on-one Laura’s meetings are and she truly makes an effort to know all of her students and help them as best as possible. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
The sense of community here and my supportive teachers and friends who always had my back. I’ll also miss community-wide events like cornhole competitions, ZagBowl, and pie in the face.

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
I am most proud of helping out in the community wherever I could. Whether it was helping teach French to the lower school, coding on the robotics team, or playing lacrosse and volleyball, I have always found something I liked and pursued it. 

How has Key prepared you for college?
I won't fully know until next year, but Key has given me good confidence in my academic abilities, and I would prefer Key to prepare me for my next step than anywhere else. Socially key has taught me the value of good friendships, and that will serve me well in college.

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
I plan to major in Economics with a focus in finance. Middlebury is a great place to be to enter into a finance career.

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Don’t be afraid to change your mind. The schools I wanted to go to sophomore and junior year were very different from where I ended up applying. Also, be confident in yourself, apply ED to the school you love the most, because if you don’t you will be wondering forever if you could have gotten in.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Dive deep. Learn as much as possible about each of your top schools. Take advantage of ED and ED II, they are your most valuable resources. Talk to current students. They know their schools best. My most educational experience was walking the Middlebury campus on a Friday night talking to about 15 current students about their experiences at Midd. They were more honest than a tour guide would ever be and allowed me to get me to know my future classmates.

What school did you choose and how did you make a decision about what college to attend?
After a bit of debate I submitted my ED application to Middlebury College, and was accepted. I chose Middlebury because of its excellent academic, very strong job placements into the financial industry. intellectually curious and socially liberal student body, and beautiful and rural campus.

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
From the start I knew that I was dedicated to getting accepted to a fairly selective college. That goal should not be important for everyone, but I wanted to be surrounded by people smarter and more ambitious than myself. Additionally I knew I wanted a school on the east coast, and the beauty of the campus was very important to me. Final decision came down to the people. Dartmouth and Middlebury were in contention for my ED application, but Midd won out after tours and conversations with current students. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
Laura was very dedicated to helping me with every part of my application. She gave me insight into some of the inside-scoop of college applications, and encouraged me to have a very balanced list of schools

What will you miss the most about Key?
The friends I have made at Key will be hard to say goodbye to.

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
I'm very proud of the growth of the model congress and debate clubs, and the incredible path our sailing team is now set on. I think more importantly than all of that I have given empathy to younger students that will hopefully show them a path of how to be mature and focused while also allowing for kindness.

How has Key prepared you for college?
I believe that Key has given me a good way of thinking about problems, taught me time-management skills, and made me more comfortable with talking to teachers and advocating for myself when needed, all of which are skills I hope to bring into college.

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
My areas of interest are physics, chemistry, math, and engineering.

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
For me, the most important things when determining what was most important in a college were visiting colleges, determining what criteria were most important when comparing schools, and talking with and getting suggestions from Laura about what colleges to consider.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
For Juniors, I’d recommend figuring out what you want from a college, and work on what Laura recommends you to be doing at the point you are at; her timeline for where you should be is pretty good.

Again for Juniors, it can also be good to join activities to add to your college resume and activities list, though I don't recommend joining too much; you should leave yourself time for homework, projects, and studying, and time for yourself, especially since grades are an important part of your application as well. Also, staying in an activity for an extended period of time is good for your application, so if you are already in an activity or extracurricular then it could be a good idea to stay in it, especially if you enjoy it. Also, don't be afraid to put down hobbies in your activities list, they probably look better than you think.

For parents, I’d suggest that you encourage your student to look at colleges through books, websites, or other tools and decide where they want to visit in-person, it will be a more meaningful visit if they can pick the colleges they will visit, and also probably more time-efficient as you will have to visit less colleges. However, don't be afraid to suggest colleges to your student, but it should be just a suggestion, not a demand to visit that college.

What school did you choose and how did you make a decision about what college to attend?
I chose UMD, and I chose it because of a multitude of factors, the most important being affordability, proximity to home, strength and variety in STEM programs and opportunities, as well as the ability to change my area of study if needed.

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
Some important factors when starting my college search were a school’s affordability, the strength of its stem programs, and having the flexibility to change one’s area of study when entering college. Ultimately, these ended up still being the most important factors when making my final decision, however this does not need to be the case for everyone.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
The most helpful parts of the college advising process at Key were the summer college workshop, and talking with Laura about colleges. The workshop was helpful as it gave me time to complete many portions of the applications, which meant that I did not need to spend as much time during the school year working on applications, which was very helpful for time management, and talking with Laura helped guide me through the process and lead me to the right place with what schools I wanted to apply to.

What will you miss the most about Key?
The things I expect to miss most about Key are the academic environment, and small classes. Especially in terms of class size, I will be going to UMD, which is just about the complete opposite of Key. 

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
I’ve made my mark on the Key community most by playing baseball and being a member of the math team; I’m most proud of my time in the math team.

How has Key prepared you for college?
I feel as though Key has helped me explore more of my interests through the various electives and activities offered. I also think that Key's civ program has taught me to use my voice and express my opinions. 

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
I intend to major in psychology while studying and pursuing my interest in photography.

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
One of the most important things I did to find a college was make in-person college visits. This not only included going to see the college campus but also included me and my family looking at different places and restaurants around the school and the surrounding city. This helped me get a better feel for the community and what influences were around the school. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
The advice I would give to juniors and their parents would be to start early. Although it can be overwhelming at first, if you get a good head start, everything will fall into place fairly smoothly. This means starting to build your resume, filling out the basics in the Common App as early as possible, getting a head start on scholarships, and building that magical list of what you want your future home to have.

For parents specifically: Guide them in all of this. Guide not take over, because this is their time to shine and figure out what they want to do next. Give them space to explore what they want, even if they're not sure, but make sure to stay in their corner with all the love and support they need.

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
I chose to attend my heavenly home by the sea, Hampton University. I chose Hampton because it checked off all my boxes in person and on paper. I know many Hampton alumni, all of whom have always spoken highly of the school, and I knew since I started my college journey that I wanted to be a part of the school that gave them that wonderful spark of love and pride. Of course, there were plenty of other things to consider, but they all fell into line as well, and that's how I knew Hampton was the perfect place for me. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
In my initial college search, I was mostly looking for location and aesthetics. Although aesthetics sounds kind of cheesy, I really wanted to be somewhere that looked pretty so I wouldn't get bored in my next 4 years of being there. Location and my pure love for the school ended up being the reasons I made my final decision. I knew I wanted to be close enough to come home and see my family, specifically my little brother, but far enough to feel independent.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I found the summer workshop going into senior year to be the most helpful part of the whole college advising process at Key. With that program, I was able to get almost all my applications done, finish my resume, and feel confident in where I was in my college process. Other than the program, I feel as though Laura and Christy were extremely helpful not only in my college search but also in terms of scholarships, questions, and general support and celebration. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
I think I will mostly miss the tight-knit community that Key offers. I will miss the civ program and all the wonderful teachers that came with it. The teachers and faculty members who felt more like family in all the guidance and joy they gave me.

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
Other than our class mark of the Clifford mural, I think my main mark at Key has been my impact on other people. Although I was close to my grade, I also made a lot of underclassmen friends. I also have a little brother in 7th grade at Key, and with that, I've gotten to know quite a few middle schoolers as well. I have also built a strong connection with teachers and faculty members at Key. And looking back at it, I think I'm most proud of all the relationships I've made with the people I've touched and the pure joy I've experienced at Key.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has pushed me and prepared me with its advanced classes and built my time management skills. Having multiple out-of-school activities as well as in-school left me with little room to put off work until the last minute. Learning to prioritize my time and communicate with teachers when I need support are the biggest skills I'll be bringing to college and my future. Key has given me a strong foundation in collaboration, with so many moments in the classroom, clubs, sports, and events to practice teamwork. These halls have also given me some of my closest friendships. I found, and learned how to find, my support system and the people who make me the best version of myself. 

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Aviation and Automotive Vehicles

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
My search for colleges was heavily structured by their programs and opportunities. I was focused on finding the schools that could give me the skills and experiences to become the most effective engineer and leader I could become. Finding the schools where I could be hands-on in the classroom and my personal time narrowed down many of my options and pointed me toward multiple schools I could see myself loving. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
My biggest piece of advice is to do as much online research as possible, including reaching out to alumni or current students, before going to visit. So much of a school's values, opportunities, and data points are online. Even checking out social media posts from some of the clubs or student organizations can be helpful. Reaching out to students is, by far, what will give you the best understanding of life there. Though every student's experience is different, they can bring great perspective to the aspects you're looking for. In the end, the college process that would have been the most beneficial and least overwhelming for my family would have been waiting until after I was extremely interested or accepted into the school to visit in person. 

What school did you choose and how did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
I will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall and landed there for so many reasons. The biggest two that brought me to VT were its strong Mechanical Engineering program and the Corps of Cadets, a military-structured environment that housed all ROTC students together. These two factors were non-negotiables in my college search and VT blew both out of the water. I loved that I would have access to labs and equipment, even on my own time to grow any and every interest I have. It was also important to me to have a strong ROTC program and the Corps gave me a much closer experience to a service academy than the majority of the nation. Along with that, the university as a whole proudly expresses a mission of service, a value that is a huge part of my identity. Having a home that highlights something I believe in and hope to live out made VT the best option for me. After all that, loving the area, the mountains, and the energy on campus were all bonuses. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
Engineering and ROTC programs were my focuses when I started the search. While these parameters narrowed the list greatly, I found that I could see myself loving and thriving at four different universities. In the end, it was the potential for balance that brought me to my choice. Finding the best fit for exploring all of my interests and achieving my goals. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I found the summer workshop so helpful from the advising process. I'm a person who prefers to see the whole picture and break it down into bite sized pieces. Attending the summer workshop gave me just that, as we had presentations and checklists that outlined every application and account we had to make and I could guarantee I wouldn't be forgetting any pieces by the end.

What will you miss the most about Key?
The people. I've made some of the best memories at Key with some of my closest friends and greatest mentors. I'll miss lunches with our favorite teachers, hearing stories of chemistry experiments gone wrong, and so much laughter. I'll miss the outdoor trips, the hikes, late night camping giggles, and even the long bus drives. 

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
I'm truly proud of making the best of each class and activity at Key. Coming into every day, maybe tired or sore, but with an open mind has brought me to many people and opportunities I would have never had another way. I now have so many memories and lessons to keep along with me as I walk on my own two feet.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has emphasized the value of fostering close relationships with teachers and peers alike, leaving me confident in my ability to engage with others. This will allow me to transition smoothly in a new environment both academically and socially. 

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
I will be heading into college with an intended combined major in health science and business administration. Both of these fields of study are ones not heavily explored in the Key School curriculum so I'm very excited to embark on a new learning journey. 

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
I knew where I wanted to be geographically very quickly, so I started poking my head around all kinds of schools in those areas and naturally developed what I liked and disliked about a college. Being proactive in the process will manifest solid opinions, ensuring a well tailored list of schools for yourself. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Trust that you will end up where you were meant to be. The college process is an insane roller coaster and it will throw curve balls at you so try to enjoy it where you can. Have fun with your essays and keep an open mind throughout the process!

What school did you choose and how did you make a decision about what college to attend?
After a brutal back and forth between two, I am proud to say that I will be going to Northeastern University! Although I worked hard for my acceptances, I considered myself to be incredibly blessed. I was given a shot by many incredible institutions and ultimately made my final decision based on what I felt would best set me up for a successful future beyond college, even if it meant turning down what I thought to be my dream school!

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
To me, location was the foundation for my applications. I knew there were incredible opportunities everywhere, so I needed to make sure I was finding somewhere I could call my next home. After crafting a list of colleges that fit my taste geographically, I honed in on the programs and study abroad opportunities to make my final decision.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I will forever give my thanks to the college advising team. The college process will without a doubt be stressful but you will feel beyond supported because Laura and Christy will be with you every step of the way. It's evident that they want you to succeed.

What will you miss the most about Key?
The friendships with teachers I will have to leave behind as I move on into the world. I've built several close relationships with people at this school and am incredibly grateful for the influence they have had on my life. Without them, I would not be who I am today. 

How did you make your mark at Key? What are you proudest of as you look back on your time here?
I would say I am most proud of my ability to have led the communities that were important to me. From being the varsity volleyball team captain to being the leader of Asian Affinity, I was able to put my best foot forward and set an example for my peers.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has forced me to approach and analyze my school work through a different lens, and manage my time more effectively. Being a student-athlete all throughout high school, I have had to find time during the school day to consult with teachers and complete assignments, opposed to trying to cram in all my school work at 12am and be unprepared for the following school day. Key has also prepared me to advocate for myself and feel comfortable asking questions, whether that be to my teachers, or with my peers. 

Intended Area(s) of Study
I plan on majoring in either International Relations or Journalism, with a minor in French

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Seeing the campus in person and talking to current students helped me the most during my college search. 

Being able to talk to some of my friends at the colleges I was looking at helped me get a true sense of the academics and the social dynamic at the given schools. In addition to these, watching recorded classes helped me get a sense of how the relationship between the teachers and students were, and helped me decide if I could see myself in the classroom with those types of students in that kind of environment. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
I would begin to compile a list of values and what you want to have and need at your college next year. Whether that may be location, specific programs, diversity, size, I think it’s important to figure out your core values and see what colleges and universities align with those values as well. My parents tried to be as involved as possible, which was helpful at times, but it is important to remember that the child is going to be the one spending their next four years on the campus, not the parents. I think it’s important for the child to take control during this time, though it is always nice to have the parents right beside them whenever they need assistance. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
For me, my search started a bit all over the place. Initially, I wanted to play soccer at the collegiate level, so I shifted my focus to schools that showed me interest on the soccer field. After I realized that I no longer wanted to play soccer in college, I began to look for schools along the east coast and I ultimately chose the University of Maryland - College Park. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
The summer workshop that Key hosted was what I found most helpful going into the college process. I would encourage every rising senior to participate in this workshop, as it gives them the opportunity to get a head start on the process, as well as talk to students who have already gone through the process successfully. The couple hours a day during the week gave me a preview of what was in store for the next several months.

What will you miss the most about Key?
I’m going to miss most the tight-knit community that I’ve formed throughout my years at Key, as well as the connections I’ve made with my teachers during my years in the high school. I know at many of the large public schools in the area, the opportunity to form close friendships with teachers is limited, due to the large number of students, although at Key, we have the opportunity and are encouraged to create close relationships with our teachers, which has made me thrive as a student in this community.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key taught me how to collaborate, not only with my peers, but with teachers as well. In high school, I've always felt that I had an opportunity for open dialogue with my teachers, which encouraged me to think critically. Key’s focus on student-teacher relationships has built my confidence in engaging with professors, which will make my transition into college much smoother.

Intended Area(s) of Study
Global Health and French

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Try to narrow your search to schools in which their curriculum and learning philosophy aligns with you as a person. That takes lots of personal thinking, but it was one of the most crucial factors for me. I started my list with about 40 schools, and narrowed it down to one school where I felt that the education that I would receive would not only aid me in my career, but contribute to my personhood. For example, I value academic integrity, so having an honor code was a crucial factor that I knew would motivate me to do my best work. You may think about whether you prefer an open curriculum, distribution requirements, a common core, etc.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
In my experience, I think that students should listen to their parents more than they usually would during this process. They can be really helpful with expanding your horizons to look at certain schools. However, in the end, you really need to make the decision based on your personal feelings when you visit the school (I highly recommend in-person visits when school is in session, if possible). After all, you will be the one living there for 4 years, not your parents! 

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
After visiting in-person, I had a really good feeling about the school. What sealed the deal was meeting students and alumni, who cemented my conviction that the people at Middlebury ARE my people. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
Because of my positive experiences at Key, I was looking for a small, liberal arts college. That’s about all the information I knew. I was really open to any setting, rural or urban. My second and third choice schools were completely different from my first. I was very unsure in the beginning, but my thoughts were clarified when I visited many of my schools. While it does sound cliché, in the end, after hours of research, I decided on Middlebury because it felt like home.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I really appreciated the emphasis on the “self” that Key promoted in this process. The decision making process is intimate and individualized, and Laura did a great job of making sure that we were choosing our schools to align with our personal values. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
The tight-knit community, my mentors, my wonderful friends.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has prepared me for taking charge in the classroom; the leadership skills that Key taught me can be applied to not only my own life, but so many other settings. Because of Key, I'm not afraid of using my voice and expressing myself. 

Intended Area(s) of Study
Psychology

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Not being afraid to reach out and learn about other colleges through the experience of others was a really important way for me to find the school that was right for me. Any college is going to promote their school through what's posted on their websites or social media, but hearing from the students and professors firsthand really gave me a new perspective that I was looking for. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Don't be so hard on yourself. No matter where you end up, just focus on making the best of it. You've worked hard to get to where you are today, so give yourself some credit! Everyone's college search is different, so don't compare yourself to others, and focus on what's right for you. 

How did you make a decision about what college to attend? 
The community and location are what were most important for me. Going to Key has opened my eyes to an appreciation for tight-knit communities where people are encouraged to embrace themselves, and I knew that I needed that aspect when looking for the right college. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
The big social groups honestly, but at the end of the day, it was the communities, location, and academics that stood out most to me for my final decision. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
The summer college "camp" for seniors. Those four days saved me from weeks worth of work. I knew nothing about the college process, and I learned so much in those few short days that really boosted me and my knowledge for the lengthy process. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
The community and endless amount of support from my peers and teachers. Key holds such an important place in my heart as it's allowed me to form such amazing connections with so many awesome people.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Being at Key my entire life, I have been able to learn and grow in a community I know cares about me as an individual. This aspect alone has taught me so many critical skills that I will continue to use in college. For example, self-advocacy and the importance of a strong relationship with your teachers. I have a very shy personality. So for a while, I never really talked to anyone unless I was spoken to. But the close relationship I had with my teachers helped me come out of my shell over the last couple of years of my high school career. Whether it was meeting with my math teacher before a challenging test or having a one-on-one conversation with a Civ teacher, it was the small moments that shaped me to become the (much more) vocal student I am today. So while Syracuse is a lot bigger than Key, I will not hesitate to reach out and create a strong relationship with my professors and teacher's assistants thanks to the many lessons Key has taught me over the years.

Intended Area(s) of Study
My major is architecture but through my studies, I would like to focus on integrating sustainable practices and modern technology into cities to combat climate change while also cultivating a more innovative future. Additionally, I would like to use that focus to create more affordable, good-quality housing for those in need. 

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Research everything. It is good to have an idea for one thing you are set on having within your college. For example, a specific program, a specific sports team, or even specific weather. Use that list to generate a list of colleges you are interested in and then research every single detail about them. From personal experience, I generated a list based on the best architecture programs in the country. From there I narrowed down the list based on the facts I learned when I was researching. But even after I thought I had generated my final list, I continued looking into the small details such as campus food, social clubs, etc. and my list continued to change. And as part of that research, watch as many college tours as you can. Especially the unofficial ones from current students. From my experience, you can find them on almost every social media platform or you can visit the college in person if you are able (I highly recommend visiting in person if you are nearby). 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Start working on anything you can during the summer. Don't wait until the summer workshop to start compiling a list of extracurriculars, finalizing your college list, or starting your personal statement! Doing as much as you can before school starts will lighten the load during the fall semester of your senior year. While teachers are lenient, classes will still be progressing at roughly the same pace if not faster depending on what classes you are in. So at least from my personal experience, it is very easy to fall behind or get overwhelmed. 

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
My college decision was a whirlwind but not in the usual way. At first, I had my heart set on going to the University of Southern California. But then I went to visit Syracuse University the summer before my senior year. Previously, Syracuse was not high on my list at all. It was just there because it has one of the best architecture programs in the country. But after visiting, it started to compete for first place. I spent the entirety of my fall semester switching back between USC and Syracuse until the week before winter break when I finished my art portfolio. After a couple of days to reflect and a lot of long conversations with my parents, I decided that I would apply to Syracuse Early Decision II. In the end, it boiled down to the fact that the program had everything I wanted (study abroad, great professors, etc.), it's fairly nearby, and if I didn't get accepted or got accepted into my second choice major, I could still fall back on my other college acceptances or my possible acceptance from USC. Lo and behold, I got my admissions letter unexpectedly a few weeks later and I have been committed ever since! 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
In the beginning, I focused my college search mainly on the program and location. From the middle of my junior year up until the end of the summer before my senior year, I was set on studying architecture in California. So because of that, most of the schools on my original list were in California and if they weren't, they were low on the list. But as I learned more about college in general, I realized that there's so much more that goes into what makes a college perfect for you personally. So in the end, my final decision stemmed from the fact that I knew I was going to be my best self academically to prepare myself for my future career while also being able to have fun and enjoy my college experience. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
By far the most helpful part of the college advising process was just being able to walk into Laura's office when I needed to talk or when I had a question. Especially as I struggled with the USC and Syracuse decision. I was putting a lot of stress on myself during that time because choosing a college is a huge decision and a major milestone. But being able to just sit down during an afternoon break or office hours and weigh the pros and cons made a big impact on my final decision. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
In complete honesty, I will miss everything about Key. Being at this school since Pre-K 3, I've experienced so many different traditions that are truly unique to Key. For example, Orff performances, the Book Festival, Outdoor Ed trips, and the Halloween Parade just to name a few. To be completely transparent, it hasn't truly hit me until now, as I'm writing this because I have been so focused on my AP exams. But I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go to this school. Over the years I have made lifelong friends as well as met teachers who have strongly identified with and looked up to whether they know it or not. Due to this, I am confident that Key has shaped me into my best self academically, emotionally, and socially and I will miss every moment of my experience here.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has prepared me to be an independent student and thinker, as well as thinking critically to participate in small class discussions. 

Intended Area(s) of Study
Journalism and Marketing

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Keeping an open mind regarding what kind of school I wanted. I prioritized certain things such as internship opportunities, what areas of study most excited me, etc.

What advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
My advice is to look at colleges that excite you. Also look for colleges that offer as many opportunities and options as you can, since your opinions will change over time. 

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
GW provided me with the most opportunities professionally. I’ve always loved a city setting and being in a city will provide me with internship opportunities that wouldn’t be available elsewhere. They also offer areas of study that I am currently interested in, as well as topics I could see myself studying in the future. 

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
At first I primarily focused on location. This became the most important at the end of my decision because I realized being in D.C. would give me more opportunities than any other place. 

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I found that being able to talk through problems with my college advisor and having someone to guide me through the process was the most helpful.

What will you miss the most about Key?
I will miss the small class discussions, and the bond students have with each other and teachers/administrators.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has given me confidence and precision of expression, allowing me to develop and pursue my interests in collaboration with my peers.

Intended area of study/Academic interests
Atmospheric Science

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
The key to my college process was weighing my criteria. I reflected on how important each aspect was to me, both personally and logistically.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Don’t let a single criteria bottleneck your search.  If I had not agreed to entertain the possibility of a northern school because of the weather, I would never have found my match now. Leave yourself open to possibilities, especially as you are still growing.

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
Being on campus and experiencing the feel of the place ultimately cemented my final choice.  Seeing a school in motion is the best way to experience it and discover its values.  The moment I explored my campus I knew that I had found the right college.

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
When I started my search, I was most focused on program. Making my final decision, however, came down to the people. I saw myself reflected in the community, with a place to be challenged, collaborate, and grow.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
Key is an incredible support network throughout the process.  When exploring my options, I knew which values I was looking for in a school, and Key helped me understand how these might be shown in the real world.  They grounded my search while I honed my ideals.

What will you miss the most about Key?
I will miss Key’s culture of close relationships. I have truly bonded with both peers and faculty over my years, and hope to carry these connections through college.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key’s civilizations curriculum makes me feel prepared for 4 years of college-level humanities. Since freshman year, I’ve been held to a high standard regarding not only the quality of my essays, but also the nuance with which I examine primary source documents.  

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
I intend to major in Political Science and minor in French and Francophone Studies, with a possible concentration in International Relations.

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
My biggest requirement throughout my college search was finding a campus within a city. I value the community and safety and “college experience” that comes with a traditional campus, but I’ve always wanted to experience the culture and opportunity that comes with living in a big city. When choosing what school to attend, that requirement remained at the forefront, but affordability was definitely the most important thing. 

Columbia was always my dream school, and choosing to apply early decision was the easiest decision I've ever made. I always loved the campus, the location, the diversity, the academic rigor, the post-grad opportunities, etc. It felt like the only school for me.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
My advice to current juniors would be:

1. Continue to improve academically. Junior year (and the beginning of senior year) grades are what colleges will be looking at the most. 

2. Ask yourself what sets you apart. College essays and interviews aren’t about listing your accomplishments. They’re about showing the reader who you are and what makes you unique.

My advice for parents would be:

1. Let your child take control of this process. My parents were always there for support, but this was my journey. Know that this is your child’s future and they need to truly understand what they’re getting themselves into.

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
I talked to a lot of my older friends about their college search and asked them what they most enjoy about where they ended up.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
I found the college application summer workshop to be the most helpful advising tool throughout my college process. It was not only an opportunity to sit down for a couple hours and crank out the Common App, but also a place to practice my interview skills and dive into the aspects of myself that needed to appear at the center of my application.

What will you miss the most about Key?
What I’ll miss most about Key is the close-knit community. Going from a high school of less than 200 to a college of over 6,000 will be such a leap. Although I’m excited to meet a bunch of new people and take advantage of all of the opportunities that come with larger student bodies, I’ll miss being in a place where we all know each other.

How has Key prepared you for college?
I know most people are going to talk about things like the student-to-teacher relationship, or self advocacy, etc., which are all really important. But I think something Key alums often overlook is just how much Key truly teaches you how to think in a critical way. We are expected to draw connections, themes, and motifs from so many different disciplines and combine them into one cohesive idea. That is a way of thinking that won’t only translate to college, but to life. 

Intended area of study/Academic interests
Major: Mathematics 
Minor: Philosophy and Economics

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Starting to get a sense of what you prioritize in terms of your college search. That can be location, prestige, specific programs, social atmosphere, diversity, etc. Once I began vaguely ranking what was most important to me, finding a college became much easier. 

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Breathe and trust the process, because it’s a long and arduous one. Also, ask a lot of questions (Laura will tell you how many times I’d ask her questions).

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?  
Saying to myself, "Jaeden, where will your needs be met?" That means your academic needs, your social needs, and your financial needs. Luckily, when I was making my final decision, I was at a position where the difference in what a school offered me academically and financially was virtually negligible. So I had to ask myself what environment did I want to be in? When I chose Stanford, I thought, I’ve never been to west, it’d be a new experience for me, the weather is great, the atmosphere is energetic, the student body is diverse and collaborative, the black alumni network is deep, should I go on?

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
I’m going to be completely transparent and say that I was definitely looking for prestige at first (a close second was being in a city though). I knew I was a competitive applicant and I wanted my college to reflect that. In the end though, my decision wasn’t really based on prestige as much as it was based on environment and social atmosphere. I had to put my ego to the side and consider where do I truly see myself not only as a student, but as a person!

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
The constant communication between the advisors and students. The frequent check-ins, milestone reminders and progress reports made it so much easier to navigate the mess that is college application season. 

What will you miss the most about Key?
I’ve tried to be unorthodox in almost all my answers, but for this question I have to be clichè and say the tight-knit community. Whether it be from student-to-student, student-to-teacher, student-to-advisor, etc. Never once at Key did I feel like a number. I constantly felt like my place in the school was reaffirmed by everyone around me, and that is something that I will certainly miss.

How has Key prepared you for college?
Key has helped prepare me for college both academically and mentally. Key has taught me how to push myself within my academics and how to manage my time successfully. Key’s civilization course had challenged me like no other class before but allowed me to grow the most. From my first day at Key in 7th grade until now, my writing skills have been pushed to the limit and I can now say, I feel confident about the work I put out. The biggest gift you can ever give a young mind is the opportunity to learn and obtain knowledge and Key has done exactly that. I have been able to take classes I genuinely love and learn information that is going to help me in my college life. I am extremely thankful for how much Key has prepared me for college and it could not be possible without Key’s community.

Intended area of study/Academic interests?
My major and intended area of study will be Business Management. Over the past two summers, I have had the opportunity to work for my dad and learn the in and outs of the business world. I have a huge interest in sports analytics and management. During my senior year, I did an independent study on the Business of Sports Marketing and Management. I was able to interview different people that related to my study and learn the importance of business in the sports industry. I am continuing my love of sports into my senior project as I am interviewing sports analysts, NFL coaches, and social media relations assistants.

Looking back over the past year or so, what stands out as the most important thing/s you did to find a college?
Looking back over the past year, I learned that touring the campus and doing online research was the most important thing in finding a college. I enjoyed watching YouTube videos and looking through social media platforms for information. It was very important that I found a school where I could see myself, not just purely based on academics.

Now that you are done, what advice do you have for juniors and their parents as they embark on their college search?
Make sure to communicate and be open! This can be a stressful time but it is important to express your feelings and have honest conversations about what you are looking for. The college process goes by extremely fast, and the sooner you start it the less stress you will have. I highly recommend taking Laura’s summer workshop and to use your time wisely during that week. You can get a lot completed during that time, and trust me when I say you will feel better knowing that you are already ahead of the game!

How did you make a decision about what college to attend?
I knew the minute I had talked with people about Providence College and toured the campus that it was the school for me. Walking around the campus with my family provided me with a similar sense of community that Key has. I loved that it has a civilization program and strong teacher/student relationships. I love the location of the school and being a big Patriots fan, I knew I was in the right place!

What were you most looking for in a college when you started your search? What ended up being most important as you made your final decision?
When I first started my college research, I was looking for a school with a strong business program, a tight-knit community, and located on the east coast. I made a spreadsheet with all the colleges I was interested in and compared them to one another. On paper, I loved them all, but it was not until I toured each one I was finally able to see where I should be.

What did you find most helpful about the college advising process at Key?
Laura was the biggest help throughout my college application process. She was always there to give me advice and listen when I would rant about what I was looking for in a college. I feel really fortunate to have someone like Laura who has so much knowledge regarding colleges and what colleges are looking for nowadays. Being able to openly communicate my thoughts and feelings toward Laura during a stressful time was able to put me at ease. Laura and all my teachers were able to guide me each step of the way and I knew that I could reach out to any of them throughout my college application process.

What will you miss the most about Key?
I am going to miss the community and outdoor education the most. I love being able to walk around campus, seeing familiar faces, and engaging in conversations along the way. Key is built on a strong sense of community and it allows me to feel at home. I am going to miss all the amazing relationships I have formed with my teachers and the grades below me. Most of all, I'm going to miss the outdoor education trips that created some of my favorite memories and highlights in life. I never thought I would be one to say I love camping, but when it is spent with people you love it truly makes the difference. The outdoor ed trips taught me life skills that will help me in the future and I hope in years after we all graduate my grade can reunite to do one last camping trip!