Graduating seniors face a tough decision: determining where they will live and study for the next four years. 

Many seniors have chosen to attend college in the garden state. Isaac Barajas, a senior at HHS, is committed to The College of New Jersey after applying through early decision.  Barajas shares his decision to apply to TCNJ. “In the beginning of the application process, I was sort of lost,” Barajas said. 

The application process can also be confusing, since students have the option to apply with early decision, early action and regular decision. 

Lila Kucharski, a senior, shared what option she took in applying and why. “I applied for early action. I did early action because I wanted to know early on rather than having to wait to hear back, but I wasn’t 100% on where I wanted to go so I knew early decision wasn’t the right choice for me,” said Kucharski. 

Future career paths often guide students with college choices. “Deciding where to go to college was a pretty simple choice. Since most of the teachers in HHS went to TCNJ to pursue a teaching degree, when thinking about where I wanted to pursue mine I looked at the best education I could receive for my major which is Secondary Education: History,” said Barajas. 

“I am planning on committing to Rowan University, and I am majoring in early childhood education or elementary education,” Kucharski said. 

Juniors can start this process now. Aimee Thomson, Boro’s college and career counselor,  encourages members of the class of 2026 to attend important events in order to prepare for applications such the annual Hillsborough High School College & Career Fair on Wednesday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. in the gym. “There are many good events for them to go to,” Thomson said. 

Thomson also shared advice on what students can do to prepare for college.  “As well as doing well in classes they are in, making good choices for senior year and getting out there and visiting schools. She also gave advice on applying to college senior year. “First thing, come up with a balance list of schools. Find and apply to some reach schools, some match schools, some safety schools to get a good list. Their list should be long, then get shorter throughout the year from narrowing it down to the end of the year. Research fields of study, the financial budget, and location,” said Thomson. “For most students early action is a good fit and the right way to go to get applications in early, and get decisions in December-January. So, students can know where they stand so they can pivot and change their regular decision schools.”

No matter where students choose to go or how to apply, help is available. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go,” Barajas said. “But I had people help me along the way to eventually find the best fit for me.”