Recent alumni share insights with Rahway High School juniors and seniors at an alumni tea. (Photo courtesy of Rahway High School)
RAHWAY — “Don’t take an easy senior year in high school!”
“Recognize that you have an advantage coming from Rahway High School because you are skilled in dealing in a diverse environment. Many other students will have had little experience dealing with diversity whether of racial and ethnic background or of opinions.”
“Visit the financial aid office regularly to see if they have additional scholarship aid available.”
“If you plan to major in math or science, be sure to take the ACT exam.”
“In college, there are no excuses. Mom and Dad cannot call up and fix things for you.”
“Get sick the day a paper is due—take a zero.”
“Make sure you get a good cumulative average your freshman year, because raising it later is very very difficult.”
“Take AP exams even in areas far from your major, and try to get credit for them.”
“Consider a gap year to broaden your experience and help you refine your vocational focus.”
“Take math your senior year, no matter what you plan to major in so that you will pass the placement test.”
These were some of the bits of advice that recent graduates of Rahway High School shared with their peers who look ahead to college matriculation next year. These recent graduates met with about 60 seniors and juniors to share perspectives at the annual alumni tea held on Thursday, Jan. 3. Most alumni had finished their first semester, but the group included alumni from 2007 to 2012.
Students came from Harvard Law, Cornell University, Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of the Sciences, University of Miami, Rider University, Johnson & Wales University, Fordham University, Monmouth University, and Kean University as well as a student currently doing a gap year who will start Amherst College in the fall and a professional dancer who is attending college concurrently.
Administrators and guidance counselors appreciated the reinforcement of messages they have been giving all year.
