By Lizzie Witek, Staff Writer

The Class of 2018 has reached 100% college acceptance as each of the 41 seniors have been accepted into at least one college or university. Nine of these students have already enrolled after being accepted through the early decision process, and their lockers have been decorated with the names and colors of the colleges they will be attending this fall.

Director of College Counseling Christina Bergamo has been keeping updates through her blog “College Corner” found on the school website. The most recent post boasts the list of the colleges that have accepted Trinity Hall students so far. While the list itself is impressive, the amount of merit-based scholarships the seniors have already received – $4.6 million – is further testament to their hard work and academic accomplishments.  

The Trinity Hall Tribune spoke to the students who have already committed to a college to get some insight about the application process and their decisions.

Haley Cesario || Bucknell University

“What made me decide I wanted to ED to Bucknell was my visit to the campus the second time. My close family friend plays football for Bucknell, so over a weekend, I drove with his parents to see it and then went on a tour. When I was there and walking through the campus I just felt happy and could see myself there and immediately knew this was where I wanted to be.”

Madeleine Earle || University of Miami

“I remember visiting the University of Miami my freshman year, and I loved it from the start. I knew this was where I wanted to be and no other school had what Miami had to offer. I didn’t know the acceptance letters were coming the day that it did, so when I received it and opened it, I was super happy.”

Jackie F. (left) and Julia H. (right) stand with the lockers that their classmates decorated once they committed to college. (Photo by Kathryn Ortenzio)

Jacqueline Fletcher || University of Pennsylvania

“I ultimately decided to apply ED to Penn because of its beautiful campus and incredibly cool people, but especially because of its dual-degree program in Management and Technology, which will allow me to simultaneously earn degrees in engineering and business. Since I was confident Penn was where I wanted to go above all else, it made sense for me to apply ED, and I am so happy I did because now I can enjoy the rest of my time at Trinity as a senior. When I found out I was accepted, I had a huge scoop of ice cream and just couldn’t stop smiling. Although I’m excited to explore and study so many new things next year, I have to admit this is all bittersweet because this means we are one step closer to graduation. Go Quakers!”

Hailey Hartnett || University of Alabama

“I am really looking forward to the National Championship football games, meeting new people, and exploring my major at the University of Alabama.”

Grace Kearney || Stockton University

“After visiting so many colleges, I knew that [Stockton University] was the place I wanted to be because of the campus. I loved the nature and all of the vibes that the people gave off. For my field of study, there was no other niche school that would give me that same experience. I am looking forward to getting to know the people there that know so much more than I do about my areas of interest. I am looking forward to also finding new areas of interest that I never even considered. I’m just so excited!”

Jacqueline Munro || Fordham University

“I applied early decision to Fordham because I’ve known for a long time that I want to be there for college experience. I love everything about this school, and there was no reason for me not to apply early. I wanted to show the school my extreme interest.”

Kathryn Murray || University of Miami

“The program I was applying to is competitive, so I wanted to give myself my best chance of getting in, which is why I decided to apply early decision. The college process was really stressful for me, so I wanted to have my decision sooner rather than later for a school that I loved! I cried when I got accepted, and I was so relieved and thrilled to officially be in the school.”

Nicole Ventura || Colgate University

“I went to an open house for Colegate, and I fell in love with the vibe there. The academics are so rigorous, but there isn’t a tough environment like some of the other schools I visited. I am really excited to attend the sports games and meet new people at Colgate.”

Dorothea Wotton || Tufts University

“My friend had texted me that the Tufts acceptance letters were coming out while I was out with my friends to lunch. I excitedly rushed home, and as soon as I got there, I put on my Tufts shirt. I was so scared waiting for the email to come in, and when it finally came in I screamed at the top of my lungs and celebrated with my family!”