<p>Well I have a problem, and I am looking for advice from someone who has done what I want to do. If you have not, thats alright because if you have advice for me I will take that as well :) </p>
<p>I have been accepted into both Northern Arizona University and Montana State University. I live in Arizona. I know someone will mention money, I have a partial scholarship to MSU and the remaning amount is equal to a semester at NAU. I love Montana, I love Bozeman and I love Montana State University. I don't like NAU and the only reason why I am considering going is because that is where my parents would like to see me go. I can see myself being happy and successful at MSU and I cannot see myself being that at NAU. The thing is I am extremly worried and scared of going out of state. Leaving my friends and family and the only place I have ever known all my life scares me. I have been really thinking it over for the past few months and I think I have come up with a plan. Spend a semester at MSU and a semester at NAU and then decide where I want to be. Has anyone else ever done it? Was it a good choice? Honestly finding the college I want to go to has been the biggest struggle of my life. I have always wanted to go out of state but when it comes down to thinking about it I cant stand the idea of leaving. But I do not like NAU and that is the only college in this state that has a Forestry program. I don't want to go there, i'd rather be in Montana. If you have advice for me that would be very helpful no matter what it is. Thanks for helping.</p>
<p>It’s natural to be uptight about moving far from home and leaving your comfort zone. It sounds like MSU has a lot of draw and appeal for you. Keep in mind that most people make lifelong friendships at college whether they come from far away or down the street.</p>
<p>Regarding the plan for a semester at each school, would you be able to retain the offered aid from Montana State if you left the school? If it’s merit aid, it would likely be forfeit if you did that.</p>
<p>Since the cost of NAU is based on in-state tuition, you can go back there any time if you don’t like MSU.</p>
<p>Being a Montana native myself, I felt very similarly when I left home to attend Oregon State many years ago. For the first couple of weeks, I wondered if I had made a big mistake, but then college life clicked in and I never looked back. (I still love Montana, by the way!) You are far from the first to have doubts about making such a move! It says a lot about the quality of the life you have at home that you are so reluctant to leave.</p>
<p>That said, I truly encourage you to go forward with confidence, whichever you decide. You’ll feel better all around if you are fully committed to the school you attend. If, after giving it a good year, it just doesn’t work, a transfer can happen. One of my daughters did just that. But if you go away thinking that it’s only a trial run, you may find yourself not taking advantage of opportunities that will be available second semester, or later on. </p>
<p>Keep us in the loop - I’ll be interested to know what you decide!</p>