SC high school seniors parade around statehouse on College and Career Day

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Thousands of high school seniors repped their future schools today at the statehouse.

Part of the South Carolina College and Career Decision Day, students celebrated their next step alongside seniors from high schools all over the state.

With 60 colleges and universities in South Carolina, choosing a school can be difficult.

“I chose Charleston Southern because when I toured the campus, I fell in love with it,” said Mayo High School student Caroline Suggs. “I love the environment, all the students and the professors that I met.”

“It took me a while to make a decision but my friends put me on to it,” said Sandhills School student Jayden Wilson about USC Beaufort. “I looked it up and researched it. It had all the things I wanted. That’s where I want to go for the next four years.”

“I’m going for music education and Newbery has a great music department and marching band,” said Gaffney High School student Josh Head. “I love the environment in Newberry. It’s a small little town and the people are so nice.”

More than 2,000 high school seniors from 50 high schools across the state celebrated South Carolina College and Career Decision Day at the statehouse Tuesday morning.

Many chose to enroll at a smaller institution because of class sizes.

“I do better in a small class size where there’s more focus from the professor,” Head said. “That’s why I chose a little college.”

“I think it’s like a 1 to 15 ratio. That’s one of the reasons why,” Wilson said. “I can listen more, make sure I get all my work done and get good grades.”

Harder classes are just one thing the high school seniors are nervous about before heading off to college.

“I’m nervous about leaving my home because it’s like two hours away, but it’s also exciting,” Suggs said.

She and her fellow graduating seniors are looking forward to many things about the upcoming fall semester.

“Get more hands on with my learning, meet new people and spend time in Charleston,” Suggs said.

“Get into a new atmosphere and meet new friends,” Wilson said. “Stuff like that.”

Those going to larger schools such as Coastal Carolina or USC say that athletics are a part of the college experience that they’re excited about. 

“I heard we got a blue or green field. I can’t wait to go see some football games at Coastal,” said Fairfield Central student Delbonnie Boyd.

One senior has this advice for those still in high school.

“Don’t procrastinate. That’s what I did,” Wilson said. “It will put you in a deeper hole. Sit through it because in the end it’s worth it.”