The Alternative Press

A total of 97 percent of the 456 Westfield High School (WHS) graduates of 2012 are pursuing a higher education this fall. According to a report released by the WHS Office of Counseling Services, 87.5 percent of students are attending four-year colleges and universities, 6.5 percent are attending two-year colleges, and 1.3 percent entered vocational, business and other post high school institutions. The remainder have accepted employment, pursued a military career, or had future plans that were undecided at the time of graduation.

The class of 2012 is attending 166 colleges and universities from A to almost Z – American University in Washington D.C. to William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA-- and in schools that are in their home state of New Jersey to as far away as Canada, Scotland and Switzerland.

The most popular out-of-state colleges and universities selected by this year’s graduates include:  Syracuse University (12 students); Cornell University (9); University of Delaware (9); Miami University of Ohio (9); University of Maryland (8); Pennsylvania State University (7); and Indiana University (6). 

A total of 107 WHS graduates are continuing their education in New Jersey, with 80 attending four-year colleges and universities and 27 entering two-year colleges.

The most widely attended New Jersey school is Rutgers, with 26 WHS graduates attending various colleges within the university. The College of New Jersey accepted 9 students from WHS.  Looking at two-year secondary institutions, Union County College is welcoming 21 WHS graduates this fall.

A complete list of plans is on the Counseling Department’s website at www.westfieldnjk12.org/westfieldhigh.