Hi everyone.
I am from New York, and I wanted to go down south for school. I didn’t feel like I was ready due to mental health issues I’ve been having so I decided to go into a community college honors program for next year instead. I feel like I’ve made the wrong choice and I should go down south anyway, but I’ve already registered for the community college classes for next year. I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid I made the wrong choice. My mental health is far from better but I also think I’ll be happier if I go down there. Did I make the wrong choice? Is it too late? I don’t know what to do.
One concrete question…is there a specific school in the south that you’ve targeted and did you get into that school? If you still have that as an option, what’s wrong with giving it a try for a year and you can always move back if it wasn’t the best idea, ya know?
Birmingham Southern College. I did get in but I backed out of going there because I was too afraid of not liking it. Now I’ve registered for community college and I don’t think that I can go there. I’m super upset at myself and I don’t know what to do.
Birmingham-Southern, is pretty traditionally “southern”, if you get my drift. Not sure hoe comfortable you would feel there. Any reason you chose it? Are you religious? Interested in greek life?
You mentioned elsewhere that you did not get the scholarship you hoped for, it would be a financial stretch/drain to attend BSC and you were uncertain what you wanted to study. Sounds like all things considered (plus, how are BSC’s finances these days?) you made the right choice.
Isn’t the reply date for Birmingham Southern May 1? If you declined the offer, you should be able to tell the admissions office you changed your mind and want to attend. You may be out some fees at the CC but probably mot much. Can you afford Birmingham Southern? Have you visited? They should have events for admitted students. If you go to one of the events that might help you make a decision. @SouthernHope has a good suggestion.
I chose it because I got into the honors program there and they have a good education program.
A
How much debt will you have at graduation? You are majoring in education? If so, take on as LITTLE debt as possible.
I already told the admissions office that I didn’t want to go. I don’t want to seem wishy washy and destroy my prospects of transferring there. As for affording, I can’t really afford it but they gave me a good aid package that I could possibly pay. I have visited, and I was kind of eh about it.
I would have about 40000 in debt. Yes I am majoring in education
Are you religious (which religion) and are you interested in greek life? These are factors there.
What’s wrong with the CC for a year?
Consider community college honors for two years, then transfer to any university which is affordable & of interest to you. Additionally, you will probably want to earn a master’s degree. This will give you an opportunity to enjoy a third university.
In answer to your question, you made the right choice for now.
Im not overly religious and im not that interested in greek life. I don’t think there is anything wrong with CC, and I’ll save a buttload of money, I’ve just afraid of my transfer opportunities.
You can transfer to the College of Charleston, Auburn University, South Carolina, Alabama and many others.
@brinuge16, I’ve been a professor in an honors program at a community college for 20 years, and, while I don’t know about the specifics of your particular CC, can assure you that transfer rates for honors students tend to be very strong. It isn’t uncommon at all for students to choose this path because of mental health (or physical health) issues, in addition to finances. Smaller class sizes, personal attention from professors, the ability to live at (or near) home, and the freedom to try out various majors without consequence or difficulty are all serious advantages to the CC route. At first, students tend to have FOMO (fear of missing out) which is based on their imagination of what they might be missing elsewhere. By their second CC year, they are celebrating their increased confidence, academic skills, and self-knowledge, as well as their bank accounts! You have made a great choice, especially under your particular circumstances. Don’t worry. And – if you are able to invest the money (that you would have spent elsewhere) in something that offers compounding interest, you’ll have a fortune much later in life! That’s no joke. “Spend” that money by investing it, and don’t touch it till you’re over 45. Good luck, and have a great time at your CC… and later at the southern school of your choice!!
My point is, unless things have changed, BSC is pretty religious and pretty greek. If that’s not your thing, it may not be a good fit.
Do you want to get a teaching license in New York State or Alabama? That might point you to a teachers education in one state versus the other. Education curriculums often include student teaching and a license at the end of that, so try to find programs that will allow you to student teach. Think about where you want to work. You can transfer your license later but it might be good to think about that, do you want to teach in Alabama? There are some differences in curriculum between NY State, a very strong education state, and Alabama, not as known for funding public education. That could translate into a much lower salary for teachers in Alabama, but of course cost of living may be lower as well. Teachers are always needed in both.
No you did exactly the right thing. I have read/seen many a story of students who think they can handle a New School, New room, new roommate, new food, new friends, new teachers, new culture (the south) all of a sudden being in charge of yourself and while dealing with mental health issues.
Set yourself up for success…you can start toward independence with still having more support at home. Keep addressing your mental illness.
“I would have about 40000 in debt. Yes I am majoring in education.”
40k is too much debt for an undergraduate degree. Period. Let alone in education where your starting salary will not be very high. You have chosen the better of your two options. Do well at your CC. Stay in communication with the Transfer Advisor there so that you can be ready to transfer on to an affordable place that has your major after you finish your AA or AS degree.