For high school seniors across the country, May 1 is known as College Decision Day. It is the deadline for students to commit to a college or university by submitting their deposit. After months of applications, campus visits and weighing options, this day marks the point where students officially choose where they will go next.

While Commitment Day is often associated with celebratory social media posts, college T-shirts and final announcements, many students say the process behind those decisions is far more complicated than it may seem.

Senior Evie Rhodes, who will attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study psychology, said her plans shifted unexpectedly throughout the year.

“You think you want to go somewhere and then you find out you don’t, and then you have to scramble to find somewhere else,” Rhodes said. “But it’s awesome. It’s all an experience.”

Rhodes said she had only known she wanted to attend Colorado since October.

For some students, the decision came even later. Mylee King, who committed to the University of Cincinnati as a psychology major, said she made her decision just two months ago.

“I like the campus,” King said.

The campus environment played a big role for many seniors. Lily McKenney, who is also attending the University of Cincinnati as an undecided business major, said both location and academics influenced her choice.

“I really liked the campus, and I liked being in the city, and their business program is pretty good,” McKenney said.

She added that the process can look very different by the end of senior year.

“The expectations you have for the beginning of the year don’t look anything like what it’s going to be like in the spring,” she said.

Other students were driven by career goals. Reagan Engle, who will attend Coastal Carolina University as a psychology major, said she wants to use her degree to help others.

“I really want to help people, and I find it interesting,” Engle said.

Lily Underhill, who is going to Ohio University to study biology, said her interest in science has been long-term.

“I’ve just always been interested in biology studies,” Underhill said.

She added that her family played an important role in her decision.

“My sister’s going to be there, and my family was very supportive in helping me make this decision,” Underhill said.

Some students found their interests through school experiences. Mallory Holman, who will attend The Ohio State University in Newark to major in nursing, said a field trip helped guide her path.

“When we went to the C-TEC field trip back in late sophomore year and looked at the medical field areas, I found I was pretty interested in it,” Holman said.

For others, campus culture made the difference. Audrey Ames, who will attend Loyola University Chicago to major in molecular biology with a language minor, said the environment stood out during her visit.

“When I visited, I never saw anybody walking alone,” Ames said. “People were really talkative, and everyone was always talking about how they met their best friends there.”

Ames also shared advice for younger students.

“Apply to as many schools as you can that are feasible,” she said. “Give yourself options, apply to reach schools and safety schools.”

Abby Boissy, who will attend Colorado State University to study biochemistry, also emphasized preparation and keeping options open.

“Don’t wait till the last minute,” Boissy said. “Apply to schools you don’t think you’ll get into because most of the time you actually will.”

She added that scholarships can make a major difference.

“Apply for as many scholarships as you can because that is sometimes the determining factor,” she said.

Kira Circle, who will attend Bowling Green State University to major in forensic data analysis, said scholarships significantly lowered her cost.

“Apply to scholarships because it took mine from around 30k to 15k,” Circle said.

She also said the school’s support system for freshmen helped her decide.

“They have a very good support group, especially for upcoming freshmen,” she said.

As seniors prepare for graduation, Decision Day represents more than just a deadline. It reflects the different paths students take after high school and the many factors that go into making such an important choice.