Help Selecting College

State Forums
1

Hello! I’m very close to selecting which college I’d like to attend this coming Spring semester, but I thought I would seek out advice here. First off, I’m in the Houston area and wish to pursue a psychology major. Living off campus is a must, preferably in an apartment because I’m getting out of my current situation.

I graduated May 2015 and was supposed to go to UTSA, but my life spiraled out of control after graduation. I won’t go into severe detail, but I was stuck at home with a sick and borderline abusive mother as the only one to take care of her since the rest of my family passed away years ago. I went into a pretty severe depression and am still dealing with it and suicidal thoughts, but now I’m trying to get my life together because I’m sick of wanting to die and I want to get out there and give back to the world. I’m planning on getting my driver’s license and moving out with my long term boyfriend into a cheap apartment by November.

Now the thing here is… I’m not sure on where to go. I have some scholarships and it’s automatic admission for me since I graduated rank 11 in my graduating class. I also already have some college credits from the dual credit program. I’m thinking University of Houston (UH, UHD, or UH Clearlake?). I want to pursue a psychology major, though I’m open to the possibility that it could change. I really ended up wanting to go to UT Austin, but with finances and dealing with personal issues I figured staying in my hometown would be the best course of action. Would University of Houston be a good school to attend for my major? Or is there another one in the Houston area that could fare better? My boyfriend will be getting a fulltime job and I will be getting a part time job so I suppose that may factor in too, along with affordable apartments nearby.

I could just really use some help and guidance on this. Would it be a good idea to maybe end up transferring to UT or another college at some point in my education? I would love to start there but I don’t think I’ll be able to, unfortunately. I don’t really have anyone to help me with this sort of thing but I’m ready to start following my dreams and pursue a higher education. Thanks in advance to all of those willing to help out. Much love and take care!

2

I have a few questions. How are you going to pay for college, have you completed the FASA application. Most colleges require freshman to live on campus, since you live in Houston I do not think this would apply at UofH. Based on your post neither you are your boyfriend are working at this time which is huge concern. You said you graduated 11 in your class but what is your overall class rank. You also advised that you have some scholarships but did not specify how much and is it still available. In my opinion you are putting the horse before the cart. You first need to figure out how your going to pay for school. You then need to make sure you have suitable living arrangements. I personally don’t think moving in with a boyfriend is a good idea but that is your personal business. The first thing you need to do is complete the FASA application so you can get a understanding of your finances. You cannot move forward until you do this.