It is no secret that it is college applications overtook the lives of many seniors last fall. A multitude of universities visited NASH, giving students a chance to explore different options nearly all school year. Teachers wrote volumes of letters of recommendation, and the Class of 2023 probably saw college acceptance letters in their dreams. 

On May 1st, that will all change. Monday is National Decision Day, an occasion for college-bound seniors to throw on a t-shirt or sweatshirt representing their future schools. Students will finally be deciding where they will spend the next four years of their lives.

To some seniors, the day may bring a sigh of relief, but to others who have not made up their minds, this looming day might have an opposite effect. 

Senior Elise Britton, for one, will be relieved when the May 1st is over. 

“Most people don’t mention how stressful the actual commitment process is. We all know applying is stressful and the essays are difficult, but the commitment is super overwhelming. You realize that this is actually going to dictate your future, and that is a lot to think about,” Britton said. 

Senior Gabriella Cappelloni is in a similar position. 

“On one hand, I am excited to see where everyone goes. On the other hand, I have not committed yet, so I need to make that decision soon,” Cappelloni said. 

Some students, such as senior Michael Watson, find commitment day completely unnecessary.

“I view going to college as an expectation for most people,” Watson said. “I do not really understand why there needs to be a day celebrating committing to college.”

Some seniors have been committed for months, but they look forward to their friends committing nonetheless.

Savannah Guzzi-Graber has been committed to West Virginia University since February, but she is ready for Decision Day to arrive for the sake of her friends. 

“I have been committed for a long time, but I am excited to see where all my friends are going. This whole process has been stressful for everyone, and I have a feeling the seniors will be much more relaxed following Monday,” Guzzi-Graber said.

David Shi, who will be calling Pitt his home for the next four years, feels a similar way.

“I am interested to see where everyone is going. As for the day itself, I am feeling a bit indifferent towards it, but it will be fun to see where my friends will all end up,” Shi said.

The past year has been agonizing for those preparing for college. As these last few days come to a close, the Class of 2023 can finally say goodbye to college applications and essays. Their persistence and hard work has gotten them this far, and Monday promises to bring the year to a colorful close.