Sarah Kreditor

American University in Washington, D.C. with its bare trees in February.

As college application deadlines approach, the seniors of BCCHS have many decisions weighing on their minds. Do they want to remain in the city? And which city, at that? Do they want a big college, a contrast from their relatively small high school? How far will they go?

Some students have determined they wish to be in a metropolitan area. Senior Sive O’Keeffe has decided she’s had enough of the country, having grown up in rural Ireland until she was eight years old.

“I was meant for the city,” said O’Keeffe. “I was meant for buses and trains, not meant for wringing chickens.” 

Highly populated places are well-liked amongst Baruchians. Schools in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. receive many applications from BCCHS students.

“I can’t really see myself [not in a] bustling metropolitan area [because] of all the opportunities it affords me,” said senior Margaret Macdonald. 

Growing up in New York City and attending a school in Manhattan, students say it’s hard to let go of the city-goer lifestyle. A college in another urban area may bring the familiarity of a rushing city but also the novelty of somewhere new.

Though urban areas are popular, some have a desire for the traditional college campus feel with sentimental lawns and colonial architecture. Many hope to find a school that has these attributes while also being in proximity to a city. O’Keeffe, for example, ultimately wants a mix of the two styles.

“My college dream is to have those grass patches they have in college where all the college students lay out after class just to,” – she paused – “photosynthesize.”

Some students also take into consideration the distance from their family when going away. 

“I just don’t want them to have to pay for a plane ticket every time they wanna see me,” said senior Ella Orbach. She is looking at colleges in the northeast and wishes to stay within a couple hours drive.

Senior Annie Mei’s parents encourage a school in NYC, “since I already have a room here,” she said. She is still likely to live in a dorm, but it is a great comfort to have easy access to her family. 

Senior Elaina Kalaitzis is in a similar situation. She plans on commuting to college from home to avoid the cost of a dorm. If the school is near her home, she says, why spend all that money?

Finances play a huge part in where students go. 

“There’s plenty of good private schools out there, but of course comes in the deal of money,” said Orbach, considering the schools on her list. O’Keeffe has thought about Californian schools but feels unsure about spending too much on flying cross country.

Aside from money, climate is also a factor students consider when choosing where to apply. It appears many are avoiding going anywhere warmer than New York. For some, states like Florida, Texas and California are out of question. 

“I absolutely despise heat in any shape, way or form,” said Mei, whose distance from the equator is not decreasing any time soon. 

Macdonald, who is applying to Boston University and Boston College, said she “would prefer to not be boiling hot.” There are also students showing concern about the northern climate – O’Keeffe expresses worry over “having to fare the Boston winters.”

While pondering these factors, there is fear that comes with starting a new chapter in general. Mei questions all that could go wrong.

“What if my major is too common? What if I don’t get as [many] opportunities as my peers, like maybe I won’t catch up with them,” she said. “What if I don’t succeed like they do?”

She expressed how these thoughts have led her to feel about the process. 

“I’m not excited, you know, but we go through it.”

These are nerves felt by many students as they are  not sure how ready they truly are. 

“It’s really something that just seems like such an adult thing to do,” said Orbach. “I think no highschooler really feels like they’re at that point yet.”

Macdonald also finds the process thrilling, though.

“I am scared,” she said, “but also that kind of fear fuels my excitement.”