Posted
January 22, 2026
It’s January. College applications are in, inboxes are refreshing, and seniors are trading updates in the hallways—who heard back, who’s still waiting, who just got the email everyone hopes for. Some members of the Class of 2026 already have their plans set through early action or athletic commitments. For many others, their future still feels very much in play.
At St. Edward, the process starts early, with conversations that begin freshman year and build steadily over time—about fit, finances, scholarships, campus visits, and more. Each year, the College Counseling Office hosts nearly ten programs for students and families, in addition to extensive one-on-one meetings with upperclassmen and their parents. The focus isn’t on chasing the most prestigious name, but on helping each student figure out which school feels right for them.
The office also knows that some of the most heeded advice doesn’t come from adults. “Teenagers tend to listen differently when the message comes from their peers,” says Alicia Watts, College Counseling Department Chair. That insight sparked the Young Alum Panel—a chance for recent graduates to come back and share what they’ve already learned in their first year or two of college.
While home on winter break, six alumni returned to campus to talk with juniors and seniors about life after St. Edward: what surprised them, what mattered more than they expected, and what they wish they’d done differently. The conversation was honest, practical, and reassuring—equal parts perspective and pep talk.
Left: Vinh Lai ’25, The Ohio State University
Right: Noah Hash ’25, John Carroll University
Left: Nate Johnson ’24, University of Dayton
Right: Heri Ramadhani ’25, Case Western Reserve University
Left: Julian Hauck ’24, University of Kentucky
Right: Bobby Hopkins ’24, Ashland University
What ultimately mattered most when you chose your college—and how did you know it was the right place?
Vinh Lai ’25, The Ohio State University
I was thinking a lot about what life after college might look like—especially because I knew I wanted to double major in neuroscience and engineering. I needed a place big enough to support both paths and flexible enough to let me explore how they intersect. Ohio State stood out because of its strength in both fields and the real-world opportunities that come with a large research university.
Nate Johnson ’24, University of Dayton
I started by being honest about what mattered most to me. For me, that meant a Catholic university where faith is part of daily life, not just something in the background. Once I focused on that, Dayton kept rising to the top—it had the academic program I wanted, but also the sense of community and purpose I was looking for.
Heri Ramadhani ’25, Case Western Reserve University
Location mattered a lot to me. I’ve moved around quite a bit, and Cleveland really feels like home, so staying close was important. At the same time, I wanted a school with a strong reputation and a challenging academic program. Case offered both. It has the rigor I was looking for, especially for nursing, and it lets me stay near my family. That balance made the choice feel easy.
How important were college visits—and what should students look for when they’re on campus?
Nate Johnson ’24, University of Dayton
I visited a lot of schools, but Dayton stood out right away. When I first got to campus, people were holding the door open for me, and that small moment made a big impression. It felt familiar—like St. Ed’s—and gave me the sense that people actually cared about one another. I felt comfortable there almost immediately. It felt like a place where I could grow, not just go to class.
Julian Hauck ’24, University of Kentucky
I always tell friends to visit schools more than once if they can. When I first toured Kentucky as a junior, I honestly didn’t think it was for me. At that point, I was focused on different things and didn’t really know what I was looking for yet. By the time I went back as a senior, everything felt different. I noticed how happy the students were—walking to class together, talking, actually enjoying being there. It reminded me a lot of the camaraderie at St. Ed’s. That’s when it clicked that Kentucky was the right place for me. Once I got to campus, I joined a fraternity and found that same sense of brotherhood. Looking back, I’m really glad I gave it a second look.
What helped you settle into college life once you arrived?
Bobby Hopkins ’24, Ashland University
College can feel overwhelming at first, but finding your people makes a huge difference. That’s why I recommend getting involved right away. Join clubs that match your interests, especially ones connected to your major, so you’re building relationships while exploring your future. I’m part of an exercise science club because it ties directly to my career goals, and I also joined a diversity club that I really enjoy. On top of that, I have an on-campus job tutoring middle and high school students, and I wrestle. All of it helped campus start to feel like home pretty quickly.
Noah Hash ’25, John Carroll University
My advice is to start making connections early and stay open to whatever opportunities come your way. I became a student ambassador, and because I’ve done well in that role, the school asked me to help with marketing and social media—and I’ll even be in a commercial soon. I also joined a social justice club, where I’ve met people with similar interests and career goals, and I’m only a freshman. I’m a Resident Assistant in my dorm as well, which helps cover room and board and gives me the chance to support other students. Getting involved helped me build community fast and feel confident on campus.
Is there pressure to pick a major early? What advice would you give?
Noah Hash ’25, John Carroll University
Pick something you’re genuinely interested in. If you don’t enjoy what you’re studying, it’s hard to enjoy college—or picture yourself happy in that career long-term. When you’re excited about your classes, everything else tends to fall into place. I’m double majoring in Peace, Justice, & Human Rights and Criminology, and my classes are genuinely exciting.
Nate Johnson ’24, University of Dayton
Don’t be afraid to change your major. I was definitely nervous about it, but all summer before school started, I kept thinking I needed to make a change. On the very first day, I walked into my advisor’s office and switched from business to engineering, and it was handled right away. It honestly wasn’t a big deal at all—I was so relieved. If changing your major is going to make you happier, that’s reason enough to do it.
How can students use their time at St. Edward to better prepare for college?
Noah Hash ’25, John Carroll University
My IB classes made a huge difference. The workload was definitely demanding, but it taught me how to manage my time and stay organized. Honestly, my freshman year of college has felt easier than my senior year of high school. I’ve seen some of my friends struggle with the transition because they didn’t have that same level of preparation. Coming in, I already knew how to handle deadlines, balance responsibilities, and push through challenging work—and that’s made the adjustment a lot smoother.
Bobby Hopkins ’24, Ashland University
One of the biggest advantages at St. Edward is the relationships with teachers. They genuinely care about you and want to prepare you for what’s next. No matter what classes you take, lean into those relationships. Teachers are looking out for your best interests in a way you won’t always find in college. They push you to apply what you’re learning to real life and think beyond black-and-white answers. If you embrace that mindset now, it translates incredibly well once you’re on campus.
MEET THE COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM
Alicia Watts leads the College Counseling Department with insight, care, and a deep belief in each student’s potential. Since joining St. Edward in 2019, she has drawn on her six years of experience in the Admissions Office at Ohio University, where she reviewed Honors College applications and developed a sharp understanding of what colleges truly value. Watts approaches her work as more than college counseling—she sees it as future counseling, walking alongside students as they discover their interests, clarify their goals, and grow into confident young men ready for what comes next.
Keith Lofton brings big energy, real-world perspective, and clarity to the college search process. After more than two decades at The Ohio State University, he offers students an insider’s understanding of admissions—shaped by witnessing OSU’s rise into one of the nation’s most selective public universities. Whether an Edsman is dreaming of becoming a Buckeye or exploring a wide range of options, Lofton’s enthusiasm, honesty, and practical guidance help students navigate an increasingly competitive landscape and find the college fit that’s right for them.
Equal parts strategist and steady guide, Maria Mueller brings clarity, precision, and reassurance to the team. A former accountant with a college counseling certification from UCLA, she is known for her organized, data-driven approach and her ability to make a complex journey feel manageable. She also brings the insight of being a St. Edward parent to the team, having guided her own sons—Josh ’11, Corey ’14, and Dylan ’16—to Penn, Northwestern, and Miami of Ohio.