The Impact of the PEA Decisions Account

By ELLINA KIM, ADELLE PITTS, EMI SOUTHGATE, and SERENA YUE

College acceptance season is a time of anticipation for many seniors here at the Academy. In December, the first wave of early acceptance posts made it onto Phillips Exeter Academy’s college decisions Instagram page under the username @pea25decisions.official. 

This account, created by the class of 2025 senior representatives, is the second time students have established an official college decision platform. It allows seniors who have already committed to colleges to share their decisions with the community, announcing where they will attend this coming fall.

The competitive culture at Exeter only adds to the intensity around college decisions season, but the @pea25decisions.official Instagram account was made to ease that aggressive environment and create a more supportive environment within the class. 

Senior Lucy Jung shared, “I don’t think it’s really an information source because I think the grapevine of who got in where is much quicker. I don’t think it’s anything new, but it’s just cute to look at my friends’ baby photos.”

The account’s posts consist of three things: a baby photo, the committed college, and the intended major. Jung continued, “I feel like it is very respectful of senior boundaries because you can elect to be part of it, and if you don’t choose to, you’re not going to be part of it.”

Even though the account was created with the idea of celebrating each senior’s successes, Jung acknowledged that some people might not view it that way. “There are certain toxic connotations within [the account], as well as in the entire idea of posting your college decision on social media. I know that many people have different takes on that.”

Senior Davido Zhang agreed. “It seemed to create stress among seniors who were still applying to colleges, which is why I only decided to post my decision a few days ago when most college apps were due.”

Ben Soriano, a senior who had recently posted his acceptance to Cornell University, said, “I have a couple of close friends who didn’t get into the same school I got into. But at the same time, I’m very proud of the accomplishment that I made, and I’m very proud I was able to get into my school. So, it was hard to find a balance between those two.”

Senior Laura Saldarriaga shared her thoughts about the positive atmosphere created by the account. “I think it’s great to have this account where we can celebrate the successes of all our classmates and the products of their hard work. It’s good that we’re being open about this, and increasing transparency makes the culture a lot better. We get to celebrate each other, which creates a class camaraderie.”

The senior class representatives who run the account try to maintain a positive and supportive environment within the account. 

Senior Class Representative Aveen Burney explained, “I think it is great that we are doing this and creating a healthy culture surrounding college admissions. It is a very stressful time for seniors, and I think this account is a great way to celebrate our class.”

Burney continued, “This Instagram account and its posts redefine Exeter’s college culture and create a precedent of openness. This is in stark contrast to previous years, when Exonians were known for secrecy surrounding acceptances, especially in the early decision phases, and the college admissions process was rarely spoken about among classmates. I think the account is respectful of seniors’ boundaries because it is optional, there is no pressure or obligatory action needed, and no one is ‘sniping’ your information.”

Senior Class President Ava Helbig echoed Burney’s thoughts on changing the culture around college decisions at the Academy. “Exeter has always had a toxic college culture: we’re all ambitious, and we all want to get into top colleges. I think the account is a way to foster a sense of goodwill among students.”

Caspar Bailey, the third senior class representative, agreed. “All seniors have the choice to submit their decision, and there is no information displayed that isn’t entirely submitted by the students themselves.”

While the Instagram account reflects seniors’ individual achievements, it also reflects the broader shift toward a more supportive and transparent culture at Exeter. During this pivotal time, seniors are reminded of the community they have at the Academy and their shared experiences with the rest of their class. Senior Sofia Wang reflected, “Although cliche, I believe wholeheartedly—you will end up where you are meant to be, and you will do amazing things no matter your future institution. It’s all a part of your lore.” The Instagram account serves as a reminder that Exeter is just one part of each student’s story, and no matter where they go next, Exonians can be reassured that their journey will lead to success and fulfillment.