The college I’m seriously thinking about the most right now is SUNY ESF, because it’s a great school for enviormental science and with SU right across the street, I can participate in their study abroad programs. It’ll also be free for me to take classes in linguistics and languages, which is something else I want to do. The only thing is, these schools are 5 minutes from my house. They’re my best options because they’re Say Yes schools. Basically, that means because I’m graduating from the school district in Syracuse, they’ll pay my tuition in full. I only have to pay for books and room.
My problem is that its a great opportunity and I’ve found a say yes school I think I’d really enjoy going to, but I never thought I’d be going to school so close to home. Does anyone have any experience with that? What do you think? Would you personally ever go to school if it was in your hometown?
My 3 kids all went to schools @ 1 hour from home - which is not 5 minutes - but pretty damn close. I think it worked out great - it was understood that me and wife would never just “drop by” - their #1 goal was school - and doing what they wanted to do with whom they wanted to do it with. They did not ever come home for weekends - but me and wife were invited to go watch them perform in theater, or sports, or other school presentations if appropriate. And of course occasionally take them out for lunch, or grocery shopping.
If you can convince your parental units - and old HS pals to leave you alone while you “do college” it could work out ok for you too. The bottom line is that if you do it right - you can be both 5 minutes - and a world away. Looks like a win-win for you. Good Luck.
I am applying to a school in my town (about 20 mins away, give or take) because I like the school, not to mention their average financial aid package. The school furthest away to which I applied is about an hour and a quarter drive, so that’s not very far either. I don’t want to rule out a really good school just because it’s nearby, and my parents and I have agreed that if I am offered enough money and decide to go there, I will live on campus. It’s not my first choice school, but I would still be very happy to go there. It will probably come down to comparing all the financial aid packages. Hope this helps!
Parent here – I went to college 15 minutes away from my house and 10 minutes or less from my high school. Freshman year, the first time I saw my family (or anyone from high school life) was Thanksgiving. My family did not expect to treat me any differently than if I were several hours away, nor did I, so it worked well. Plus, move in was a breeze, and I never had to worry about expensive plane tickets home during vacations.
If the school that fits you financially and academically is right there at your doorstep – take it! This spring, take some time to set ground rules with your family – for instance, don’t expect to take your laundry home if you don’t want them dropping by to see you after dinner in the dining hall. It really is within your control how much or little you remain connected with your pre-college existence while a student there.
Good luck, and congrats!
The fact is most college students go to school in their home town or really close by, usually due to financial considerations.
I don’t think that’s a problem at all. I envy you. If I could stay close to home and get the degree I want, I would.