<p>So 90% of college-bound students at my school stay in-state. No problem with that. But it's Iowa, and I don't want to stay here. So when I'm asked what colleges I'm applying to, and I have a laundry list with schools like Brown, Northwestern, NYU, and Boston...people are surprised.</p>
<p>I don't make it sound like Iowa is terrible, but when people ask "Why out of state?" I say, "There are better opportunities for me in the journalism and fashion world in a larger city." and they think I'm dissing Iowa or something. (Which, it is pretty much Hicktown USA, I mean, come on...). Sorry, this is more of a rant than anything, but honestly, it's not my fault Iowa has no fashion journalism opportunities. What am I doing wrong?????</p>
<p>Just say Grinnell "and a couple others" to get them to leave you alone. I've had a similar experience, and it's best just to say one or two schools instate and don't mention any of the elite out of state schools rather than have it turn into some whole discussion.</p>
<p>You'll never be wont of underestimating people's provincialism -- whether it be college reputations, choice of autos, method of raising your kids. The advice of "just a few other schools" is sound. Why ignite people's foibles?</p>
<p>What the hell? Those people are just not looking to expand their horizons, I would just ignore them if I were you and if they are your friends, tease them a little bit about their narrow-minded ways, :p</p>
<p>Thanks guys; I've had a few good laughs. I applied and was accepted to Drake University in Des Moines...but really...fashion? Yeah right. You all make me laugh. </p>
<p>I'm getting the same reactions from my peers.
... only, it's BALTIMORE FREAKING MARYLAND. you would think such a metropolitan city would be open to going new places, doing new things. but of those going onto college, 95% of them end up at an in-state school. Nothing's wrong with that, but just because I choose to go out of state does not make me worse than them.</p>
<p>when i list the colleges that i'm applying to (mostly in NY & CA), i get one of two reactions: WHERE are you applying? or WHY do you want to leave MD?</p>
<p>I've wanted to rant about this for a while. :[</p>
<p>yeah, I feel you.
I'm from Virginia, and we have some great instate schools here, but they're not all for me.
When I talk about out-of-state schools, I'm instantly bombarded with comments like: "What, are we not good enough for you?"</p>
<p>My case is even worse. I'm from California so there are a lot of good colleges here. So people from my school are like "you want to leave California? Why? The best colleges are HERE!"
I quietly say, "um, not really."
and they look at me in a weird way.
Sigh!</p>
<p>It's the same kind of thing here. Everyone expects me to go to U of M, because that's just what people who can do. When I tell them I'm not going there they kind of expect me to go to MSU, which I wouldn't mind because I have friends going there but still. I want to leave Michigan and everyone thinks I'm crazy for doing that.</p>
<p>I am from Michigan too and I know where you are coming from. When I tell people that I got into U of M but I am probably not going to go there people think I am crazy. It is just expected that you go to U of M if you can get in and if you can't you must go to MSU. People see going out of state as some sort of kick in the face.</p>
<p>Haha on my school profile it says 8% of the students attend an out of state college. So 92% of the kids on my school go to UCF, FSU, and a couple UF (which isn't bad). I just think its funny when people are so oblivious to other schools that can offer a better education out there. not dissing UCF or FSU. Half they kids in my school have never even heard of Stanford and Norhtwestern.</p>
<p>^That's my school's story. Two years ago everyone went to either FSU or UCF. My graduating class this year either went to UF or USF.</p>
<p>I wanted to go OOS also, and people thought I was stupid to turn down an acceptance from UF. Ironically enough, here I am still in FL though, just at a private college half my school doesn't even know exists even though it perenially tops rankings in its category. I actually think I only know one person from my grade who went OOS though, to AFA.</p>
<p>Be prepared to deal with it at college too though! I go to UVA, but I'm OOS... UVA has a mandated 2/3 in state quota. My freshman roommate knew at least 100 people at UVA before move in day. And most people can go home for the weekend whenever they want. Just know what you're getting into. I mean, I don't regret going OOS at all and I love UVA. But be realistic about how far you really wanna go. A 5 hour drive by yourself really sucks, especially when you do it more than once a semester, and that's if you live close enough that you can even drive home...</p>
<p>I think there's a difference if you're going to an out of state public school than simply out of state. If you go to an OOS public school, you'll probably have experiences like Hazelorb's. For isntance, if you were to room with me at Ohio State, I'd already know about 40 kids down there scattered throughout all the different parts of the school. (Which wouldn't happen, because I'd room with one of my high school friends anyways were I to end up at OSU.) However, if you were to room with me at Notre Dame next year, we'd probably feel the same way about each other: who is this guy?</p>