Photo illustration courtesy of senior Kaylie Hall

  As we move through the school year, a few seniors at San Luis Obispo High School are already excitedly celebrating their acceptances into their dream schools through Early Decision results that were released in December.

Early Decision is a binding action, where if you are accepted into the school, you are required to attend.

  Because the actions are binding, the schools that students apply Early Decision to is the one on the top of their list. “Stanford has been my dream school ever since elementary school, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would apply early there,” said senior Ingrid Chen, who was admitted to Stanford class of 2025. 

  Applying Early Decision acceptances not only eases worries for the rest of the year about where students will attend college, but applying is also beneficial to students’ chances. “I chose to apply ED at NYU because I knew that it’d increase my chances slightly, and since it was already a reach school for me, I wanted to have the biggest chance I could,” said senior Evan Clausen, who was admitted to NYU class of 2025 for musical theatre.

  Unfortunately, one of the only downsides is that now these seniors have to wait eight months until they’re able to attend their dream school. Instead, they can only look forward in anticipation. “I’m super excited to meet new people, which sounds kind of basic, but it’s true!” said Chen. 

 Some students eagerly await a change in scenery that college brings. “I can’t wait to experience the other side of the country this fall,” said Clausen. 

  To all students receiving acceptances from colleges, congratulations!