<p>OK here is the problem I'm from Jamaica and I'm applying to some colleges in the US. I am so hoping I get in since I dread going to college at home because I find it to be unbelievably boring, seeing as it would be just like a continuation of high school, since everyone I know will be going there (There are not many school's to choose from. Well really it's just three, with one having way more prestige than the others where everyone piles up). My friends don't seem to understand my reason and think I'm snubbing the schools. They are practically hoping I don't get in i.e fall flat on my face I think even my best friend too. Really I'm not snubbing them, it's just that with college you hope for change not the same faces and environment and when I say faces I'm not talking about friends here. Bottom line I just want more.</p>
<p>i hear ya.. people who don't look past the boarders of their country for opportunities are annoying, and even more so people who want you to stick to their narrow ways of thought and not do your own thing.. </p>
<p>first of all, don't tell anyone (maybe your parents.. :P) where you are applying.. if you can avoid it. then you can't be ridiculed for not being accepted (keep in mind that this is not a legit cause for any mockery whatsoever, and whatever they say is BS).</p>
<p>I don't know your situation, but perhaps you should be looking for new friends who can be more supportive of your goals and dreams? I guess that's one of the reasons you wish to head to the US in the first place..</p>
<p>Sorry if I got anything wrong, and keep your head up! :)</p>
<p>It's okay to feel "weird" for choosing to take a different path. I chose to consider smaller colleges, rather than the large research universities that my friends all applied to (the valedictorian applied to over a dozen universities, i.e. ivies + other top schools) You should feel empowered that you have the vision and spirit, and that you know what you want out of life. I empathize with you, and it's a noble goal.</p>
<p>But do know that if you choose this path, you'll have to endure the flak from ignorant people who can't appreciate your own choice, and also have to continually explain to other people your reasons. It'll seem like using an egg to hit a stone--you'll never really achieve any conclusive results among your peers--there'll be more people asking you why you do it this way.</p>
<p>I believe that choosing one's own path is brave and laudable, but one has to endure the downsides and disadvantages, a bitter pill to swallow :(</p>
<p>^ I am in about the same situation. Am from Pakistan where there is Ivy league or nothing. I did not apply nor am I going to the Ivy league. I am going to an LAC hopefully - Gettysburg. I just don't care explaining to people my reasons; they see my determination and somehow stop babbling after making known a few reservations.</p>
<p>And my best friends? I convinced them to apply too. Maybe you can try it, too :) All the best!</p>
<p>omg i'm in a similar situation...people keep asking why I do not want to go to UWI...They keep saying that universities abroad got the same things that UWI has..
I'm sorry but there standards are just too low for me plus I want a different experience...
I'm from Trinidad btw..</p>
<p>Thanks you guys, I guess it's what you have to endure when you go against the norm, part of life, but that's not going to stop me.</p>
<p>it's totaly different here in Nepal though. exact opposite. everyone will take offence if you say u don't want to try a foreign college.</p>
<p>^ Nepalese, I have noted, rock! But a few grumble as well :D</p>
<p>True.Here in nepal most try for universities abroad.</p>