I got a full ride to a crappy local school. How can I talk to my parents?

<p>Okay, well. Today I got a full tuition+room&board to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. First of all, it's only 4% white students. I'm most certainly not a white supremacist or something, but I'd be uncomfy in an 89+% black school. I'm sorry.
And..
College</a> Search - University of Maryland: Eastern Shore - UMES - SAT®, AP®, CLEP®</p>

<p>My parents didn't go to college, so they really don't know anything. Is there anything I can say or should I just ignore them?
(This probably isn't even a good question to ask, but.. I don't know what to say. =>)</p>

<p>Id say tell them exactly what you said here "I would be uncomfortable there", as parents they most likely want you to be happy.</p>

<p>What is your financial situation? The only way you can "ignore" your parents is if you're willing to foot the bill to a different school all on your own. If you have your hand in your parents' pockets, well, sorry - they have a say in where you go.</p>

<p>Sit down with them and have a serious money talk with them. Don't whine "I don't want to go there . . ." Ask them what they can or are willing to pay. Ask as an adult and they may treat you like one.</p>

<p>Curious, how did you get a full ride to a school unless you applied there? My H is from the eastern shore of MD, was a top student there in his day, and did get generous grants from some school, but only from schools where he applied. We still go back there often and know a number of families with kids who are college age. We'll be on the shore this weekend.</p>

<p>Also where else did you send apps? Maryland has a number of state schools, from Salisbury State to Frostburg. </p>

<p>My sons all got postcards saying they were eligible for full tuition, summer experience, lap top from CUNYs, but they were not awarded anything as they did not go through the application process. Is this a true offer?</p>

<p>xSteven, talk about where they can afford and your other options if you do turn down the full ride. Simply explain you'd be uncomfortable there, that you have many other options you rather attend, and your willingness to aid them in the financial process (perhaps making sure you get a job in college, or something like that)? I hope it works out for you!
cptofthehouse, your sons, I believe, received notices from the Macaulay Honors Program - which includes full tuition, city discounts and privileges, and a free lap top. I don't know how they could've received the offer if they didn't apply, as I don't know that much about application to the program, but it is a legitimate offer.</p>

<p>"My sons all got postcards saying they were eligible for full tuition, summer experience, lap top from CUNYs, but they were not awarded anything as they did not go through the application process. Is this a true offer?" </p>

<p>I know people in the NYC education system. This is a true offer from my understanding, if someone is eligible for CUNY honors. You don't pay taxes that high for nothing!</p>

<p>But I believe out of the CUNY schools only Hunter can offer free room and board.</p>