Instant Decision Day Punches College Tickets for Caldwell High Seniors

More than a dozen seniors at James Caldwell High School got some good news a little early: acceptance into the college of their choice. 

The high school's Instant Decision Day was held on Thursday and more than colleges and universities came to gave students the chance to get an answer right then and there whether they were accepted. 

Seventeen students out of 43 were accepted, and many students were also offered scholarships based on academic merit, ranging from $8,500-$16,000 per year.

“The Instant Decision Days have been a huge success,” said Vincenzia Shane, supervisor of guidance and who coordinated the event.

“Senior year can be stressful when students are waiting to hear back from colleges. Instant Decisions make everyone a bit less stressed and a lot happier.”

Some of the institutions that participated in the event Thursday were Bergen Community College, Essex Community College, the County College of Morris, and three beauty schools, Artistic Academy, Christine Valmy and Parisian Beauty Academy.

Thursday was the school's second Instant Decision Day. In December, more than forty college acceptances and twenty associated scholarships were offered to students from Albright University, Caldwell College, Felician College, Long Island University, Johnson & Wales, Kean University and Seton Hall University, among many others. 

“Our first Instant Decision day in December resulted in forty-three students knowing that they were going to a college or university,” said Shane. “Now, an additional 17 students can begin the next phase of their education.”

The school plans to continue with its Instant Decision Day next year, hoping to attract even more schools to the event.