<p>Hello everyone(: Although I'm only going to be a sophomore in High School, I often think about my future: what I'm going to do, where I'm going to go to college, etc. etc!
My brother just graduated from high school and is going to Pensacola Christian College. He just made the decision of what he wants to do this year: he's planning to join their nursing program and become a registered nurse.
I, however, want to go to Cal Poly and become an engineer. Unlike my brother, this career path has stuck with me since I was young and has always been a dream of mine. I'm a straight A student (again, unlike him) and have been working diligently to achieve my goal.
However, my parent just made the decision that no, I cannot attend Cal Poly and instead must go to PCC like my older brother. They say it's a good college and they like it's environment (it being a Christian school).
I do not like that decision. At all. It's always been MY dream and MY longing to go to Cal Poly, but it all may be ruined because my older brother is attending PCC. So, what should I do? I mean, my parents ARE paying for my school, but shouldn't I have a say in where I go? They say they can't afford it, but another one of my brothers attended 6 years of college: one year of Bible College and five years at Cal Maritime Academy where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering. Also, my college tuition will be partly payed for because of the GI Bill (my dad is a retired Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy). Please help me clear my mind about this topic. What do you think I should do?
My plan is to still attend Cal Poly with or without my parents financial aid, by saving up money, getting a job, taking out student loans, and work my a-s-s off to get as many scholarships as possible (like for music; I am currently first alto in my high school's jazz band, I play various instruments, so I hopefully will get recognized for that). Thanks you for your help(: It's much appreciated.</p>
<p>If I remember correctly, PCC is not fully accredited. Research this and what you need to do to become an engineer, and if these two don’t line up, you will have some factual information with which to have a discussion with your parents. Could you find some accredited Christian schools with good engineering programs that would satisfy both of you?</p>
<p>Nursing is one of PCC’s few accredited programs. Being a fundamentalist school, they shun actually following the guidelines for accreditation. Your chances of getting into a graduate engineering program with any related degree from PCC are pretty much zero. </p>
<p>I also really think you need to research what student life is like at PCC. It’s not something most students can handle. I don’t know if your brother ever mentions this, but the rules are EXTREMELY strict. Any physical contact with the opposite gender, any viewing of movies or listening to any non-approved music, or wearing casual clothes are all things that will get you in trouble. Every action is subject to monitoring, and expulsions are extremely common.</p>
<p>Will you/your family qualify for merit or need-based financial aid? This could help immensely with the costs of attending Cal Poly.</p>
<p>Do your parents not want you to be an Engineer or not want you to go to a non-Christian school (two different options, but the answer could be “both”)? There are some Christian schools that offer engineering if you could compromise, but they will cost more.</p>
<p>I’d shy away from PCC no matter what… it’s just not my type of school even as a Christian. It’s one school I wouldn’t let my guys consider (nor did they want to).</p>
<p>You DO NOT have to go to a school you don’t want to go to. However, your parents also don’t have to support you financially once you reach a certain age (and what age that is depends upon the state - I don’t know for CA). If the age is older than you are, you CAN leave home and petition a court to have them support you with room and board (not college related). I’ve seen it done… but it isn’t likely to help you retain good contact with them. It could be useful if you wanted to take a break for a year and work to save for a college education elsewhere or start at community college.</p>
<p>PCC is NOT a great school. PCC appears to more about brainwashing you in to complete submission rather than preparing you for a healthy Christian life in the world outside PCC. Maybe you could compromise and go to a christian university that offers engineering.</p>