Delaying College

College Life
1

<p>Recently, my dad and I hit a sore topic today about college. He later explained to me that he thinks I'm not ready to go (academically, yes; maturity, not so quite) and that I should stay home, work a part-time job, and go to school at the community college.</p>

<p>However, I'll be honest. I feel a bit embarrassed and angry at this suggestion. I come from a school in a tough program (full IB diploma with AP course loads) and am/was dreaming of attending a college outside my state of Florida (which is very uncommon at my school). I worked hard throughout my entire high school experience and ultimately was unhappy (I gave up partying for grades, football games for studying, etc.), and the idea of staying here when I could probably get into these upper-end schools (Brown, Bowdoin, UF, to name a few) makes me very upset.</p>

<p>But the idea of costs worries me. I never got around to having a part-time job in high school because of my demanding coursework, so, as my father puts it, "I don't know the value of hard-earned cash." I don't want a job in my first year of college, but at the same time, I don't want a job ever. I know it sounds ridiculous, but in the back my mind, I want to not have a job in college because I want to enjoy it. I know I need to start saving up for what's AFTER college NOW, and this is what compels me to want to stay here at home for the first year, although I'd think I'd be very unhappy with it. </p>

<p>I know not everyone can relate or see the situation clearly, but what are your opinions? Should I stay home, get a part time job, and continue to attend my community college (I've already gained enough credits for 2 years, though)? Or will college allow me to mature? </p>

<p>I feel as though college will allow me to mature, at my own pace. I act different around my dad, and sometimes I believe he'll always be there to take care of my financial issues, but I believe college will give me enough space to grow unlike my own home did.</p>

2

<p>I made the decision to stay at home for the first two years of college for multiple reasons. Even living at home, I feel like my mind has expanded the same way it would if I had gone away (I lived by myself in a dorm for a semester, which might have contributed a little). </p>

<p>I would go ahead and apply to the schools. If your gpa is good, it’s possible that you could get a full ride, although it may be at a lower ranked school than the one’s you suggested it. </p>

<p>Also, you may have to suck it up and get a job, lame as they can be.</p>

3

<p>I wish I had taken a year off, even if I would have been working some menial job.</p>

4

<p>Hate to advocate my own despairs. But if you can suffer through 4 years of military service(They have 2 year slots, though rare), and sign up for the GI bill. Once you get out you’ll be more than ready for college.</p>

<p>With Tuition Assistance, which is seperate from the GI bill, you can continue to take college course while in. Something to thing about.</p>

5

<p>I agree with princessmahina, community college may save tons and be prepared for it but if you work hard it’s possible to get out in two years. </p>

<p>Sent from my HTC HD2 using CC App</p>