<p>Hello, I'm a 20 yr old freshman philosophy undergraduate in METU in Ankara, Turkey. This is my first post @CC but its not gonna be a short one. :)</p>
<p>I'm facing a dilemma here, and don't really know anyone who can provide genuine, useful help. Which brings me here. I would be grateful if you have the patience to bear with me until the end of this and reply, cause it's a little bit of a life-death matter.</p>
<p>METU is one of the best schools in Turkey, but more renowned in technical subjects such as engineering. I enjoy the campus & studying my major, the professors are also more than adequate to provide it, but it isn't exactly what I hoped it will be when I signed up. It just doesnt give you a sense of accomplishment, and makes your relationship with mathematics grow cold, which isnt cool for the brain.</p>
<p>Like many people, I was (and still am) undecided about what I would like to do when I took the exam in the june of last year, because I take an interest in many of the academic disciplines (mostly social sciences, with a recently growing interest in political science). Now because of this I came to think of a more Liberal Arts/Interdisciplinary approach may be better for my character, which isnt available in my country like it is in the US or other countries. There are only pilot programs here, which are taking baby steps.</p>
<p>Education is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so I don't really want to waste any opportunities that I may have now. My high school wasnt one that provided help with the foreseeable future, and it didnt have an IB program either. Despite these setbacks, something inside me tells me to leave (or at least suspend for a while) all my studies here in METU and start preparing for A-Levels or SATs or whatever is necessary. If I get to succeed in anything like that the results would be so rewarding that I wouldnt regret the time spent towards it, and certainly, an international education is much more rewarding than just staying in my country for another 4 years. I've had enough of my country for the past 20 years already! </p>
<p>However I can think of as many cons as I can think of pros. For example: If I attempt this, it has to be worth it; meaning only real good schools are aimed. Let's say I did get top notch scores from those much-dreaded standardized exams, there is still a chance I may not be accepted to those schools. Further, there's the big issue of finance. It would be completely out of the question if i can't find any scholarships etc.. I know the competition is tough, even more so for internationals but it's not impossible. Nothing is. I wouldn't even think of myself as a student of the school I'm in now prior to the exam that got me here, and now that I am, I figure the limits of what one can achieve isn't very clear.</p>
<p>Currently, my mind is so preoccupied with these it prevents me from focusing on my major. I've been researching for a while, and after seeing many people from diverse backgrounds getting admitted, those top schools dont look so out of reach to me anymore. I don't have much to lose except time if I go ahead and give it a try. But this state of unsureness is getting to me. Should I stay here and be happy with what I have, which probably won't lead to anywhere (seriously, what can you do with a philosophy degree?) or should I take off to see what's on the other side of the horizon? What do you think?</p>
<p>Thanks for reading and your answers are really appreciated.</p>