<p>Thanks, jmmom. However, I'm afraid I cannot think of any way to make them realize that, to quote mini, having "broader horizons" will be beneficial to me.</p>
<p>Literatus:</p>
<p>If the foreign languages you wish to study are not very rare, many many colleges can satisfy your interests. Middlebury's main claim in that area is the summer immersion program. And as Mini said, it does not award merit aid. So look for colleges that give merit aid, that are not too far from home (either by car or plane) and that have the kind of offerings you are interested in. Many post their online course catalogs and you can browse through those. </p>
<p>A great college with a focus on writing would be Kenyon.</p>
<p>If worse comes to worse, tell your parents the story of a friend of mine from southern CA. Her parents very reluctantly allowed her to attend college in San Francisco but insisted on visiting her every weekend. As soon as she graduated, she took off for Europe--permanently. And married a Frenchman with whom her parents could not communicate.</p>
<p>"I realize that all schools can be party schools if one makes them such, but..."</p>
<p>Don't fall for the "all schools" fallacy - the reality is that the schools are hugely different, one from another. Why are you so quick to accept that the academic differences between say Berry and some New England LACs are going to be so very great, and then fall back on the misguided notion that the differences in partydom is a matter of differences in individual behavior? By that argument, since it is only a matter of the way one behaves, as your parents suggest, one college is the same as another, and you might as well go to Berry.</p>
<p>"Thanks, jmmom. However, I'm afraid I cannot think of any way to make them realize that, to quote mini, having "broader horizons" will be beneficial to me."</p>
<p>ROAD TRIP!!! Tell them how much fun you'll have together and what great memories you'll make. Seriously, though, is it financially possible for you to get them to visit colleges? What would happen if you went local and DIDN'T come home on weekends? Or am I missing something and they expect you to live at home?</p>
<p>Are you the only child?</p>
<p>Wow, that's an interesting story. Haha. I have to admit that I've always liked Europe... ;)</p>
<p>I'm thinking that I will have enough financial need that the merit aid part won't matter too awfully much. I have plenty of other scholarships that I am applying for and whatnot.</p>
<p>zoosermom, haha, they're not expecting me to live at home, but they do seem to expect me to see them every weekend, at least for church every Sunday. I, for one, don't see how it matters where I attend church, as long as I go. Hehe.</p>
<p>I'm actually a twin, but my brother is interested in going local, so he's no trouble.</p>
<p>And ROAD TRIP!!! is indeed a great idea! :)</p>
<p>
[quote]
However, I'm afraid I cannot think of any way to make them realize that, to quote mini, having "broader horizons" will be beneficial to me.
[/quote]
The only way I can think of will be by a combination of broadening <em>their</em> horizons ;) and negotiation. </p>
<p>All of life is a negotiation and you will begin to develop your skills in that area on this all important task. I suggest you read "Getting to Yes" by Fisher and Ury, an invaluable little paperback which will give you some wonderful insights and ideas.</p>
<p>I suggest using those ideas to work with your parents - you'll apply to the schools they prefer, if they will accompany you to visit some that you prefer. As I said before, this could broaden their viewpoint. We parents have seen lots change for our students in the months between now and next April, when the acceptances come in. This could happen with your parents, too.</p>
<p>I'm definitely adding that to my books-I-need-to-buy list.</p>
<p>I'm hoping to visit some colleges very soon, since it is, afterall, summer break. I was going to have a job this summer, but my application there sort of fell through so I have plenty of time to go college-hunting.</p>
<p>literatus:</p>
<p>If you have the stats for merit aid and if you have substantial financial need (check financial aid calculators), it is worth your applying to a couple of need-blind schools; the cost might be actually comparable to less expensive schools. But in selecting colleges, consider the ease of travel. Middlebury may not be easy of access for someone in Georgia, although Atlanta is a hub.</p>
<p>Good suggestion marite.</p>
<p>Atlanta is actually about an hour and a half away, so getting to a large airport isn't that much of a problem.</p>
<p>Middlebury sounds perfect for you. Go visit if you get the chance--i'll bet you'll love it. And who knows? Your parents might love it as well. My parents really wanted me to go to Bowdoin (they accepted me early notification), but I wanted Middlebury. Once we set foot on Middlebury's campus, my dad was like "if I could go back to college, this is where I'd go." Not much discussion after that...</p>
<p>I'm trying to plan a visit to Middlebury right now, actually. I'm hoping that my parents will want to go! :)</p>