Empowered Gray Bees

Seniors take charge of the college application process

If there were a guide for high school seniors on proactive ways to manage the college admissions process, the Class of 2025 could write it. “This class took a lot of initiative,” said Dean of College Placement and Career Development Susanne Mueller, noting that seniors continue to think practically about colleges. “Debt is a massive conversation,” she added. “More than any class, this year’s seniors went for the challenge and advocated for themselves.” 

In addition to scrutinizing financial aid packages and submitting appeal letters, many Gray Bees applied for supplemental assistance through the Community Foundation of New Jersey, a non-profit that administers 140 scholarship funds for college-bound high school seniors. “It’s an uncertain time for our students and CFNJ is a great partner,” said Ms. Mueller. “A $20,000 scholarship over four years can make all the difference in terms of meeting expenses.” 

Savvy seniors also created spreadsheets to analyze and compare graduation rates, institutional debt and other metrics to make
their college decisions. The tool is one that College Placement and Career Development has adapted into its guidance program.

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More than any class, this year’s seniors went for the challenge and advocated for themselves.” 

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Gray Bees will matriculate to a diverse range of colleges and universities this fall. The class includes six QuestBridge Scholars who earned full four-year scholarships to top-ranked schools; two recipients of the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing scholarship for student caddies; and one midshipman candidate at the Naval Academy Prep School. Fifty-two percent of the class will attend New Jersey schools, and more seniors are exploring the honors colleges at Rutgers University-Newark and Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 

Several graduates are heading to HBCUs (Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College), while other students have chosen specific programs for hands-on experience in animal science or public service. “Not every kid wants to sit in a classroom,” Ms. Mueller explained. “The world is changing, and we need to adapt and give our students the best possible shot we can.”