<p>So basically I got into Ohio State, Penn State(I applied here as a safety school, really had no intention of going), Maryland and Pitt. I didn't like Pitt so I took that off of my list, I had already visited UMD and liked it and I just visited OSU and really liked it. I also visited PSU and I really didn't like. I just didn't see myself there but now it almost looks as if my mom is going to make me go there. My dad wants me to go to OSU but my mom is holding me back. </p>
<p>She has reasons but they simply don't add up.</p>
<p>For instance she said she didn't want to travel far to visit me yet she has never visited my brother on a non-family day(which was only once may I add). Also I applied (in fact she MADE me apply to these schools that I had no interest in and I knew I wasn't going to get into) to UChicago and Northwestern which are much further than OSU. I'm sure she would have had no problem with me going to those schools. </p>
<p>Cost: With the financial aid I got OSU is much MUCH cheaper than Penn State and it almost costs as much as UMD(my in-state shcool). </p>
<p>In addition Fisher(business at OSU) is ranked higher than Smeal(business at PSU) in most of the rankings I saw including USnews. I don't see why OSU wouldn't be a no brainer. It's cheaper, the buildings imo are a lot nicer and it's generally seen as a better institution(For business at least).</p>
<p>Anyway I loved OSU and really didn't like Penn State and my mom isn't even letting me chose where I want to go. I'm assuming she has a problem with it's past reputation as an open admission party school with a sports focus. Can you guys PLEASE give me advice on what to do???</p>
<p>Can your father convince your mother?</p>
<p>(Why do there seem to be parents who want their kids to go to a more expensive school, even if it is not obviously better?)</p>
<p>Make a pro/con table and show her, put things like campus, academics, interest, $, etc. Hard to argue when there’s more pros than cons (looks like an easy decision). Traveling distance for your mom is irrelevant to college (unless she needs you for medical help or something).</p>
<p>If your mom gets really emotional/illogical about arguing (try to approach logically though), why not just SIR to OSU and say uh oh spaghetti-o. College is about learning independence from your parents so they should support you on your decision as long as there are good reasons.</p>
<p>Have a meeting with the school guidance counselor who may provide objective support for your position.</p>
<p>If money were the issue, your option would be UMD with maybe the possibility of OSU. Spending extra for PSU makes no sense whatsoever given that there are decent options for your major in your home state and elsewhere.</p>
<p>Your mom has an emotional attachment to PSU and/or doesn’t want your dad to “win” on this one. Get some help with finding out why she is so in love with PSU and/or so opposed to your dad.</p>
<p>Do the math in great detail. Calculate the costs for all four years assuming an increase of 5% to 7% each year. Find out what is required to keep that big scholarship at OSU (a GPA of 3.5?), and think about what your options would be if you lost it. Would you transfer home? Ask both of your parents where the money is coming from to pay for your education. Do they have it sitting in the bank, will they pay it out of current earnings, or do they plan to pay it with loans? Some parents have the notion that it is OK to pay it all with loans if the student attends College X. That often ends in financial disaster, so don’t let them do that. Really. Don’t let them be dumb about that. It will mess up your life as well as theirs.</p>