Hi. I’m just your typical high school senior. I have applied to two schools and I am going to be a music education and performance double major.
I’m having extreme issues picking my college, though. I guess it would be easier to explain each pro and con of each college and describe them.
The pros of college A is that I would be closer to home. My parents wouldn’t be disappointed and I could stay in my bed, keep my cat and dog, etc. I would have all my meals covered. I would have a car. I would be able to live with my sister for another year. The town is bigger so I would be guaranteed a better job. I could keep contact with all of my friends. I would be part of a bigger marching band and I would be challenged to do better.
The cons of college A is that it’s, again, closer to home. I am living at home and I would be dealing with a lot of drama. I don’t know if I would truly be happy with this college, because while I like it, it’s not my favorite. The teachers are known to not value their students unless they prove themselves. I would live at home so I wouldn’t get the college experience. It’s a bigger school and it would be really overwhelming. It’s about $15000-$19000 per year to go, which is really expensive on my end.
The pros of college B: I would live on campus and get a full college experience, including roommates and dorms. I would be able to grow as a person. Parents won’t influence me as much. I love the college and the staff. The staff really love their job. I would already be at the top with my peers because of my musical ability. I would be away from drama. It’s a smaller school and easy to get on with everyone. It’s about $10000 per year, which is a more reasonable budget. It’s a better music school.
The cons of college B: It’s farther away by 6 hours. I wouldn’t be able to spend time with my cat, who is getting older. My dog would be given up. I won’t have a car. My meals are all on me. There’s not a lot to do in this town. I would be away from friends. It’s not as a distinguished school, and it may be harder to get into a distinguished graduate school. I would have to transfer everything with my medication and such.
I know that nobody can pick my college for me, but I was hoping someone could help me out. What made you move from college? Was it hard to move out? What do you think I should do? Thank you all.
Hi @anxiousacademic Congrats on having two great choices. Reading between the lines here, I am inferring that you are being treated with meds for anxiety. Is that correct? If so, do you see someone for talk therapy or can you consult with your psych if you have a trusted relationship? It seems you should talk this out with someone who knows you well. Have you done that already? It sounds like College B is the one you love and it would lead to more personal growth. Perhaps being away from home, with less drama, would help you grow. How would you pay for food at College B? Do you have the $$? Can you find a trusted friend to take your dog, or start working with an animal charity so you know the dog is well placed? Maybe you could find a situation where you could visit the dog on breaks — if you start the process soon. Re graduate school, most graduate schools look at grades and performance. I wouldn’t let concerns about graduate school stop you from College B, especially because it has a better music school. Good luck making your choice - so nice to have options!
Sounds like you’ve already decided without admitting it to yourself. Go to college B and enjoy your experience. You can always come back to your town for a job after graduation.
Go to the cheaper, better school that you like more.
Can you share the names of the colleges? Most people do here on CC.
It seems as though you prefer College B.
College is a great time to gain independence. At some point you need to.get out on your own. If there is too much drama, this is the time to do it.
I know you love your cat, but I would not make life changing decisions based on my cat. Have your parents face time the cat with you. Visit the cat on breaks.
See if you can find another home for your dog.
Most people don’t have a car on campus as a freshman…because they are not allowed to.
i assume you would live in the dorms and eat in the dining hall?
I think students that are outstanding get into good grad schools.