What are your college criteria? The factors students use to make their college decisions go across the board, but there are a few things to keep in mind when filling out those applications. “Its where you’re going to be learning in a classroom, but its also where you’ll be living your life,” said counselor Mrs. Elaine Jung. Many of us have only lived in one place, San Diego, so how do we find out where else we’d like to live? “It’s a very individualized process,” said Mrs. Jung. “Everyone’s searching for something different, so it’s important to keep doing research until you find what’s right for you,” said counselor Mrs. Kristine Fleming.

Amongst the 438 seniors in the graduating Class of 2015, 216 students chose out-of-state schools. Below are the most popular states, after California, for this year’s graduating class (courtesy of counseling secretary, Mrs. Kari Hooker.)

Going out-of-state, Mrs. Fleming said, “gives a person the opportunity to learn about the rest of the country, and the world.” Jake Herrick, on his way to Texas Christian University, said “I just want to go try something new and experience other places besides San Diego.”

Some students admit, however, that they might experience a little “culture shock” in their new homes. “It’s pretty scary because the culture out here on the West coast differs from the culture on the East coast,” said Joey Toczylowski, who will be attending St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the fall. “I think the way I’ll be spending my free time will be different.”

Ernest (Ernie) Hahn is one of a few members of the Class of 2015 headed to St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. He plans on spending a week in London with his parents before arriving at the University. “I’ll get caught up on the European fashion trends and get the last minute essentials that I’ll need for the new culture and environment that I’ll be entering.”

Ernie is referring to real cold weather – a phenomenon that many of our graduating seniors have yet to encounter. Based on a survey of out-of-state bound students, 81% say they do not own “proper winter attire,” which can be defined as, “something that would keep you warm in a non-Californian winter.”

“I’m going to need to do some shopping,” said Gabriella (Gaby) Thomas, who’s headed North to Whitman College in Washington this fall. Catherine Smedley, headed to upstate New York, said, “I just bought a bunch of winter clothes. It snows until May-ish where I’m going. Literally, it’s always snowing. It’s gonna be a shock.” Elizabeth Miller can’t wait to “buy a whole new wardrobe,” before leaving for Illinois, but she’s not sure how well she’ll fare in the winter.

Joey Toczylowski is on his way to cold winters in Philadelphia, and he couldn’t be more excited. “I’m pretty pumped about the snow. I’ve taken trips to areas where there is snow, and even though I don’t have proper winter clothing, I’m pretty sure I’ll have a blast out there having snowball fights with my classmates!”

Driving in the snow is a feat that many students will have to face this upcoming winter. Seventy-two percent of seniors say they have no experience driving in the snow. Elizabeth Sullivan, though she has no behind-the-wheel snow-driving experience, says, “I have [driven through the snow] as a passenger and I plan to keep it that way in college. I will most likely take a taxi during the winter.”

When asked to define themselves by United States region, the majority of surveyed seniors described themselves as “100% Californian,” but not all. Micaela Dea, who will be attending the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in the fall, describes herself as Midwestern in addition to Californian. “Both of my parents grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, so the Midwest is in my blood. I used to visit Omaha every summer,” said Micaela. “When I visited Missouri, it felt like my home away from home.”

Elizabeth Miller also identifies as a “Midwesterner,” and she is headed to Illinois State University. “I visit my family in Illinois so often that my grandma’s house is practically my own. For all intents and purposes, I have experienced living in the Midwest and I’m quick to pick up an accent when I’m there,” said Elizabeth.

If you don’t know where to start on your college search, start by taking a look at yourself. “Colleges have personalities just like people do,” said Mrs. Fleming. “You’ve got to find one that fits your personality.” No matter if you haven’t any memories of summers on Lake Michigan, or of ski trips in Park City – even “100% Californians” are capable of feeling at home in places as far away as New York.

After getting a call from the head women’s basketball coach at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, Catherine Smedley decided she’d visit. Catherine hadn’t given the University much thought, and the long drive from the airport into “the middle of nowhere” caught her off-guard. “The school is in the middle of a mountain range and it’s beautiful. You can see so many stars at night and freshman orientation programs include hiking into the mountains to go white-water rafting,” said Catherine. “I was stunned by how much I ended up loving it.”

Haley Nute committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) without ever having visited. “I was very nervous about how I would like it,” she said. “On the drive there from Memphis, TN, I became really nervous because there was nothing around me, but once I arrived at the school, I was in love.” Though Haley took a chance by committing to her school before visiting, she always knew what she was looking for. “I wanted to be at a school with amazing culture and tradition, which is definitely in the South. [Ole Miss] was also the perfect size at 18,000 undergrads.” Haley is excited to experience “school spirit unlike any other,” and Southern hospitality.

Happiness and comfort in your decision are important factors of a college search that are oftentimes overlooked. “If you’re happy and content [in college], you’re going to do your best, and you’re going to be successful,” said Mrs. Jung.

Kelly McGuire talked about her first impression of the University of Washington, “My first impression was that it was perfect. It was very green and beautiful and different from [San Diego.] The water nearby made me feel like I was at home, and my impression solidified my decision.”

Ultimately, remember that your college decision is up to you. If you’re “on the fence” about whether you’d like to apply to a particular college, “You know, just go for it,” said Mikaela Schmeling. “Take the time to visit,” said Mrs. Fleming, but realize that you can always visit after you’ve been accepted, too. Avoid limiting yourself in the application process, and keep your options open because the possibilities are endless – you never know where you might end up!

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!