Shen Seniors Participate in May 1 Commits Day

Shenendehowa High School seniors wore their Commits Day shirts to school on Friday, May 1. 

May 1, known as National College Decision Day or ‘Commitment Day,’ is the traditional deadline for high school seniors to pick their college and submit an enrollment deposit, officially committing to a school. Students submit an often non-refundable final enrollment deposit to secure their spot in the freshman class. 

The day is also a popular high school tradition where seniors wear apparel representing the college, university, or post-secondary plan they have chosen. 

Quin Dewan, a senior going to SUNY Geneseo, majoring in Math Education, thinks it is a fun way for students to see what future has in store for their peers. 

“I think it’s fun. It’s a good way to be proud of yourself in the places that you got into and embrace the next chapter in our lives,” Dewan said. 

He added that he would participate in the other traditions at Shen with his friends.

“I’m definitely going to do sidewalk chalk if I have time. I’m also really excited for senior sunset.”

Students decorate the sidewalk outside the Satellite Cafeteria with school logos, writing their names next to their school’s logo. 

Gabe West, a senior going to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Computer Science, said that he was excited to see where his friends had committed.

“I have so many friends that are gatekeeping their decisions, and I feel like May 1 is the day that everyone will finally reveal where they’re committed to,” West said. 

Veda Chakilam, a senior going to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in Environmental Science, considered that Commits Day could be negative for some people who are not going to their dream school or people that are not going to pursue further education after high school. 

However, she concluded that it’s most important to feel happy for others’ accomplishments. 

“I think for people choosing a different career path or didn’t get into the places they wanted to, you gotta let everyone else be happy and support them,” Chakilam said. 

Shen seniors also reflected on traditions they wished the school had. Chakilam said that she wishes Shen had organized a decision day video.

“I always see decision day videos on social media where everyone going to the same school stands together with their merch. I wish we were more organized like that,” she said.

Others wanted to implement senior quotes. 

“I wish we had senior quotes in the yearbook. I think it’s kind of boring that we don’t, and it would be a fun addition if we could regulate it. My quote would be ‘Taco Bell is life,’” Dewan said. 

West agrees with Dewan. 

“I would prank my friend if we had senior quotes. I would ask my friend to do a quote together, continuing a sentence between two people’s quotes, and then switch mine at the last minute.”