Advice for a Drop-out

Parents Forum
1

<p>My story is kind of long, but I would appreciate any advice anyone could give to help me figure out what I should do next.</p>

<p>I graduated from high school in 2006, and went off to a top-50, out of state college in the fall. I was at that college for three sememsters, and although I liked it, stuff kept happening back home and I just felt way WAY too far away. Because of this, and because I did not know what I wanted to major in/do with my life, I chose to transfer in Jan. of 2008 to a closer school in my home state for a very specific degree plan. This new school ended up being a big mistake. I never really made any close friends, and I had next to no support/base in this new town. I also ended up not really liking the new major.
I made the choice, with my parents input, to move home this past May and seek treatment for severe depression and an eating disorder. I have been pretty sucessful in these treatments so far, and, at this point, I am looking for where to go next. My plan right now is to start doing something, other than just working, in January of 2010. I have a couple of choices, and that is what I want input on.
Right now, I have a 3.1 GPA from two colleges, with a laundry-list of previously declared majors and spotty course selection. For many different reasons, none of which are GPA related, going back to the second college I attended is not an option.</p>

<p>First option-Americorp
I am applying/have applied for a few different specifc programs and am hopeful that one of them will accept me. </p>

<p>Second Option- College with an accounting degree
I am applying for a few different in-state options.
1. Nationally ranked Public- I would have to have some magic to even get accepted. Would apply to liberal arts school and hope for an inner-school tranfer. The reason for this application is because I love the city this is located in, and I have many friends in the area.
2. Uncompetitive local school- Would live at home so it would be cheap. This is the option that gets me a degree most quickly and for the least amount of money.I just can't imagine living at home for the next 2-ish years.
3. Unranked public- I would not be able to live at home doing this option, but I would be able to get in. This degree would cost a comparable amount to number 1, and is more prestigous state-wide than number two. In my mind, this is the best option for college but I am not sure. I would be in a city where I know some people, and I would be about two hours from my home.</p>

<p>Post-college, I really don't know what I am hoping for. I've taken a few accounting classes, and I thought they were okay so that is the reason for the major choice. At this point, I have not really enjoyed college (which was a major suprise for me) so I just kind of want to have a degree that will get me a job.
So that's my situation. Thank you for reading, and I will be around to answer question or edit to make it more clear. I just don't know what I should do next, and am hoping that some of the wise minds ofthe Parents Forum can help.</p>

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<p>I´m sorry I can´t give you advice on the specific options, not knowing anything about the schools and the state. I just wanted to say that it sounds like you are really getting it together after a tough time and trying to plan ahead, which is a must in this world. I think the accounting idea is great, if you can see yourself doing it for years, because it definitely leads to a practical skill/career. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Americorps is an excellent option for someone like you – with a history of being responsible – and who’s unsure of what kind of college they wish to transfer to and what they want to major in.</p>

<p>My S, 21, did Americorps between high school and college. It helped him figure out what kind of jobs he liked to do and what he doesn’t like to do, and it helped him figure out what kind of environment in general he’s happiest in. During his Americorps year, based on the info he learned about himself, he applied to college, and has been very happy and flourishing at the college he selected. </p>

<p>I do not suggest transferring to college until you are more sure about what makes you happy – including what careers/majors would make you happy. I also suggest consulting with your therapist. If you were only treated by medication, then start seeing a licensed social worker or psychologist to get assistance as you decide what to do.</p>