College Matriculation

abby chirik '26, princeton university 

I went in knowing I was going to college somewhere. Overall, I am so grateful for this process, the resources at Stuart, and so happy with the outcome!! Princeton University is the best fit for me because it’s a liberal arts school. This was one of the most important things for me because throughout the process, I was very undecided about what I wanted to study, so I needed to find a place that offered flexibility. Princeton is perfect for that because they encourage exploring different paths, and you don't have to declare a major until the end of sophomore year. I also love Princeton's programs, like SPIA, which I really didn't know much about beforehand, but honestly, of all the programs I was looking at, it is the one that excites me the most now. Princeton also has a huge focus on the undergraduate experience, which is something that I think I will find to be super beneficial.

Leila Hernandez-Lewis '26, Temple University 

My college search was honestly a process of figuring out where I could truly see myself growing, not just academically but personally. At first, I focused a lot on rankings and expectations, but over time I realized I wanted a school where I felt supported, challenged, and excited about my future. The application process was stressful at times, especially balancing school, extracurriculars, and uncertainty, but it also taught me a lot about myself and what I value. In the end, I learned that fit matters more than perfection.I chose Temple University because it gives me the balance I was looking for: strong academics, opportunities in healthcare and public health, and a campus environment that feels full of energy and possibility. Being in Philadelphia opens so many doors for internships, real-world experience, and independence. I could genuinely picture myself there, not just as a student, but as a person growing into who I want to become.

Ashley Batz '26, Colorado College 

Colorado College is the best fit for me because their Block Plan allows me to be fully immersed in a class for a two-week period. Likewise, their financial aid program has shown me that this school will always look out for my best interests, whether it's studying abroad, tutoring, or connecting with the Bridge Scholars program. I am someone who is open to adventure and trying anything, so being in a place full of mountains, but also in a downtown area where I can go with friends and relax, feels like the perfect balance for me. I am excited to go far from home and experience things I couldn’t do in New Jersey while being fully supported by my parents and my college.

Taylor States '26, St. John's University 

I knew for years that I wanted to be a nurse, so searching for nursing schools where I could see myself was not hard. I was happy to know that my top school wanted me from the start, so I felt complete after that. Overall, I had a great experience, and I feel very prepared for what’s next! St. John's University is the best fit for me because of the diversity and kindness I was shown by every student, both current and incoming. I felt like I was already part of a family I would soon grow into. I long for community, and knowing there will be kind people on campus I can make friends with and reach out to means so much to me.

ALLISON LEE '25, WILLIAMS COLLEGE & D3 LACROSSE

From the start of high school, I knew I wanted to play lacrosse at the collegiate level while immersing myself in a challenging academic environment. That dual ambition guided decisions I made on the field, in the classroom, and in my college exploration. As I began to define what I wanted from a college experience, a few priorities quickly stood out: the ability to explore a broad range of academic disciplines, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors, and a campus culture grounded in kindness and genuine connection. That said, the recruiting and search process wasn’t always as exciting or straightforward as I had imagined. At times, the process felt isolating and burdensome, and I began to reevaluate what I truly wanted. I realized I was looking for a place where I could thrive both academically and athletically—a school that encouraged balance, not just excellence in one area—which led me to consider Division III programs where that balance is not only possible but encouraged. Despite visiting on a cold, rainy Wednesday in February, the campus felt warm in a way I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. Students greeted me with genuine smiles, professors took time to talk with me, and there was an immediate sense of belonging. The people I met at Williams were not only passionate about their studies, but also incredibly kind. 

HAWA BAKA '25, WELLESLEY COLLEGE

I feel so grateful and blessed to share that I’ll be attending Wellesley College this fall to study computer science! When I started the college process, I was really nervous. I was scared of falling in love with a school and not getting in, and affordability was a top priority. I knew I wanted a close-knit, supportive community. Ms. Michalak helped me find schools that fit those needs and suggested applying Early Decision to one to increase my chances of admission. When I visited Wellesley, something just clicked. I felt at home right away. Everyone was so welcoming, and students shared how accessible professors were and how no one gets left behind in classes. That sense of support really stood out to me. As a computer science major, I’m excited about all the opportunities Wellesley offers, like cross-registering at MIT and being so close to Boston for internships. Plus, the support for first-gen students like me has already opened doors I never imagined. This process taught me that what’s meant for you will work out. Hard work pays off, and I’ve learned I really can achieve anything I put my mind to.

Lourdes Ronquillo '25, Tufts University

As a first-generation student, I had little knowledge of the process or potential schools and felt anxious about how it would unfold. However, with Ms. Michalak’s guidance and support, I felt less alone navigating it all. At first, I didn’t have a specific school in mind, but I had a clear list of criteria: location, size, a strong sense of community, civic engagement, service, and global learning opportunities. At that point, I had never heard of Tufts, but a close friend recommended it, saying they thought of me when they visited. Trusting their judgment, I looked into it and immediately found that Tufts checked off each of my boxes. In the fall, I was accepted into their virtual fly-in program. Even though it was online, I felt an indescribable pull towards Tufts. After speaking with students and hearing their honest insights about campus life, classes, and extracurriculars, I couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of joining such a community where I could explore different avenues. The experience sealed it for me, and I ranked Tufts as my top choice. I am incredibly grateful to say that the day after my 18th birthday, I was matched with Tufts with a full-ride scholarship and will soon call it my new home this summer as a member of their BLAST program. 

BRITTNEY BARNWELL '24, PRINCETON UNIVERISTY 

During the college process, I knew I was looking for a school that was affordable, diverse, and emphasized collaboration and community building. Ms. Michalak was a great support system and major resource throughout the process and I'm truly thankful for all of the advice, guidance, and wisdom she provided me (I look forward to seeing her at Princeton alumnae reunions). I eagerly awaited our one-on-one meetings because everything we worked towards was very personalized and specific to my experiences and wants for college. Ms. Michalak continuously stressed the importance of "fit" and how significant balance can be when looking at all of the factors that make a college stand out. After attending the Why Us? Princeton Open House October, it became solidified in my mind that Princeton was the school where I'd be supported and encouraged, where I could achieve greatness and find community amongst like-minded individuals. Ultimately, when making my decision, the financial aid, high esteem, proximity to home, extensive alumni network, abundance of opportunities, and strong undergraduate focus of Princeton truly impressed me and led me to commit. Princeton is known for its prestige and outstanding academic reputation and I'm so lucky to get the chance to call it home for the next four years!

LAYNA TARBOTTON '24, EMERSON COLLEGE

I chose Emerson College because, in the end, I knew it was the right school for me. In college counseling, we often spoke about "right fit." To me, "right fit" means a school that feels like you. The lively Boston Theater District, the semester abroad LA campus in the heart of Hollywood, the unique classes no other school has, the on-campus film and news studios, the incredible faculty and alumni networks, the EVVY Awards (Emerson's Oscar-like award show), and the ability to visit my sister Allison at Northeastern University (who's only four T stops away). I could've picked a school that offered me more scholarship money, or I could've picked a school with more prestige and a lower acceptance rate. Instead, I chose Emerson because it felt unique and didn't have the copy/paste frame many other schools had. It felt like me.

ALICIA WONG' 24, HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE 

Having attended Stuart, I wanted a close-knit community, but I also didn't want to lose the resources of a larger institution. Harvey Mudd offers both, as it is part of a consortium that provides everything I could ever need. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to attend a STEM-focused college. However, I struggled with the fact that most of them only cared about STEM and nothing else. It seemed that I would have to choose between my love of science and my passion for the arts, sports, and history. Then I found Harvey Mudd, whose motto is to provide an intense STEM education while also nurturing non-STEM interests. I can take classes at the other colleges while maintaining Harvey Mudd's rigorous STEM curriculum. It was a perfect match!

In the end, there wasn’t any competition in my mind. As soon as I visited, I couldn't stop talking about how perfect it was. An accepting and collaborative community, a focus on extensive accommodations, amazing and fun staff, small classes, and many real-world opportunities all contributed to my appreciation of the school. I felt comfortable, happy, and cared for. I also fell in love with the campus, the surrounding town, and the location. And of course, the sunny California weather was a nice bonus!