<p>I'm in such a mental/emotional bind right now, and I'm not really sure how to proceed, so I figured I would ask for some advice here...</p>
<p>I applied to Emory University (as well as their Oxford campus) last year with Early Decision. I was rejected from Emory, but accepted to Oxford. Emory/Oxford were my reach schools. I really like the Emory campus (especially after participating in a summer program there last year,) but HATE the Oxford campus. It's unbelievably small, in the middle of nowhere, and seems comparatively run down and outdated to the other schools I applied to. </p>
<p>Furthermore, Emory/Oxford was more my father's decision than it was mine. Yes, I did tour the campuses and spent two weeks there over the summer, but to be honest, he pushed me to do so. I never felt that Emory was a good fit for me. My dad's a very successful attorney, attended the University of Chicago, and wanted to make sure that I followed in his footsteps in education. </p>
<p>Here's the problem...</p>
<p>I don't want to go to Emory/Oxford. I really don't. I was accepted to a number of other schools, including Marquette, which is 45 minutes from my parents' house, plus I would be able to live in an apartment with my best friend, and commute 20 minutes to school, which would be my ideal situation. </p>
<p>This is eating me up inside. I feel horrible. I feel like going to Marquette would disappoint my dad so much, and the guilt is killing me. I know I applied Early Decision, but I want to do whatever I can do to get out of it.</p>
<p>Is there any way that I could withdraw my acceptance to Emory/Oxford in order to do what I want to do and go where I would rather go? Also, could I still attend Marquette this fall? I wouldn't be living on campus.</p>
<p>Thanks...</p>
<p>ED is a binding agreement, and the most common way of getting out of it is by claiming insufficient financial aid. That may be a bit complicated for you if your dad is as successful as you say.</p>
<p>I’m kind of curious; why is your dad so adamant about you going to Emory, especially since he didn’t attend there?</p>
<p>Even students who are accepted ED change their minds some times. Since you are unhappy with this college, talk with your parents about taking a gap year. You will lose any deposits that you have already paid, but you would have time to work, make some money to help pay for college, and re-think your application list.</p>
<p>Whether or not Marquette would admit you at this date is an entirely different issue. You would need to ask them. Some places respect the ED agreements, others don’t. If Marquette respects ED agreements you will not be able to enroll at Marquette this fall.</p>
<p>I think your interest in going to Marquette is swayed by your best friend going there. That is definitely the wrong reason to go. Living in an apt. 20 mins from campus is not ideal at all. </p>
<p>You are scared & feeling a little sorry for yourself about attending Emory/Oxford but at this point is sounds like your freshman yr Marquette experience might be a wash out too.</p>
<p>Why not give Emory a chance? knowing that you could ultimately transfer out. No decision is really ever final since your life is continually evolving. You have been given a tremdous opportunity that so many would love. </p>
<p>Accept that you are nervous. Try to appreciate this, read up on how to calm yourself & make the best of college freshman yr & go for it. Then if by 6 weeks you are still very uncomfortable there make a transfer plan. </p>
<p>College is the time to grow. You are going to love your classes. Socially will be awkward but it will be for everyone. good luck</p>
<p>You need to talk about this with your parents. You’ll feel a lot better about your decision, whatever it is in the end.</p>
<p>Sounds like two different issues: One is that you’re committed to attend a school you aren’t happy about. The other is that you are afraid of being honest with your dad about it. </p>
<p>As MrBladder suggests, you should start by talking with your folks and being honest about how you feel. (Not ‘you made me do this’ which sounds whiney and immature, but rather ‘I’ve gained more clarity about what I want from school and X really isn’t a fit. Here are the reasons.’)</p>
<p>Assuming you can persuade them that Oxford/Emory isn’t right for you, the three of you can then talk about your options - transferring after a year, a last ditch attempt to get in some where else and/or a gap year.</p>
<p>I’d avoid bringing up the Marquette option until you have convinced them that Oxford/Emory isn’t a fit. Otherwise your parents are likely to brush off your concerns as merely a knee jerk reaction from kid whose just afraid to step outside her comfort zone and would rather stay close to home with existing friends (in her own apartment!)</p>