<p>I live in MA and have always wanted to go to CA for college. I was so excited to have been to one of my top schools (Chapman) with a major scholarship and amazing aid! </p>
<p>Now, after a trip to Cali I'm thinking will I be able to handle the distance? It is such a long flight and I'm just scared. I was all excited and now I'm not. I haven't sent in a commitment deposit yet but I'm just not sure if I can handle it anymore.</p>
<p>I'm debating between Chapman and Fairfield University (about an hour and a half away from home) which gave me great aid. I have friends going about a 10 hour drive away from home so is a 6 hour flight even that bad?</p>
<p>Obviously, California is far from Massachusetts but has anyone gone through this, or have any advice?</p>
<p>If I'm getting nervous does that mean I'm not ready? I really want to do it but I'm starting to second guess myself. Would staying here a year or two and then transferring out be a bad idea? I know it would be much harder socially to make friends, freshman year is the time to do it. </p>
<p>I know I could go to grad school in California but still... that's different. I could always go try it for a semester, hate it, and come home.... </p>
<p>Anyone have any advice?</p>
<p>I sense that this might be one of those things that you will regret if you don’t at least try. If Chapman was your first choice then go for it. BTW everyone (Frosh) is nervous. If anything enjoy the weather. GL</p>
<p>My D is a freshman at Chapman and we are from the Washington DC area. She is LOVING CA! She has made all new friends and is having a great time at Chapman/Dodge. True, it takes a full day to travel from east to west coast or back. (Well, actually shorter in the westerly direction with the 3 hour gain. She can leave here early in the AM and still make it to afternoon classes.) She came home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break and will be home for part of the summer. We skype regularly and text most days. She keeps in touch with old friends via facebook and other social media. My husband and other daughter attended Chapman’s Family Weekend in October, and we all went out (There are two brothers in the picture as well.) to visit in January – CA is a fantastic place for relatives to visit you!</p>
<p>I’d say having second thoughts is natural. Still, ask yourself how close are you to your family (smotheringly close?) and how much of a creature of habit are you. Do you like trying new things? Chapman is a fairly nurturing university that does a lot for its students – Winterfest, puppies to pet during exams week, super fun freshman orientation week before school starts, etc. Orange is a quaint and safe town. Also, how much do you like Disneyland? </p>
<p>Good luck with your choice! Sounds like you are fortunate to have two good choices and I bet you’d do fine in either place. College is a brand new start and a terrific opportunity for students to explore a totally new area of this big country of ours.</p>