<p>Hi , I'm 17 an I'll be a university freshman next year as a biology/Pre med major. I've narrowed my choices down to University of San Francisco(USF), UC Santa Cruz, and UC Santa Barbara. (I also got into UC Irvine but I prefer UCSB). Anyway, my FAVORITE school is UCSB. However, I battle an anxiety disorder/separation anxiety, and on top of that, I'm extremely attached & close to my parents and home. USF & UCSC are more convenient for me because USF is 35 minutes away from home and UCSC is an hour and half away, but the problem is my favorite UCSB is nearly 6 hours away. I want to go to UCSB but deep down inside I know that separation anxiety will get the best of me and I'd have to drop out in the middle of the quarter because I can't handle distance. Being away from my parents makes my anxiety worse and gives me horrible panic attacks. (It's EMBARASSING since I'm turning 18 in August, but anxiety is a serious disorder and I haven't had much luck trying to control it. In addition, I have a twin sister who wants to go to UCSB and wants me to come with her but I don't think anyone understands that as badly as I want to go to UCSB, it's too far and I'm not sure i can handle it! Please help & give advice, I don't know what to do! :(</p>
<p>That is something that you need to discuss with your psychologist.</p>
<p>It is perfectly OK to stay close to home if that is what will best guarantee your longterm success. Sit down with your therapist and your parents, and discuss the best strategy for you.</p>
<p>I am a parent and if you were my child I would tell you to go to the college where you will feel the most happy, confident and comfortable. If that means staying closer to home you’ll get to experience the best of both worlds…living on a college campus and have easy access to your parents and home. Of course this is your decision to make. If you are honest with yourself and give this good thought you will make the right decision. I know you can do it.</p>
<p>Starting college is stressful enough. You don’t have to escalate it. Stay closer to home if that’s what will help you succeed. And I hope you are getting proper professional help.</p>