<p>barr27, the problem with getting advice from strangers is that they don’t know you–they don’t know how mature or immature you are, how levelheaded you are, how talented you actually are, and in this case, what the actual situation with the modeling agency really is. </p>
<p>In general, my advice is that if you are very reluctant to go to college, for whatever reason, then take a gap year. Contact Ohio State and defer a year; or Fordham. You don’t say what your scholarship money is but are the costs comparable between the two? In my own kids’ situation, you could defer, but you were NOT guaranteed the same scholarships-- you had to reapply for the scholarships. But given that you really don’t want to go to Ohio State (even if it’s not for a ‘mature’ reason) I don’t think it’s wise to go and give up your passion & dream.</p>
<p>I’d say research both and defer one college so you have that as a back up. Be prepared to have your parents be very upset with you. Also, it seems that you’re saying they are not paying for college either way? If that whole set up is ok with you - that’s your choice - then take the gap year. Move to NYC, sign up with the modeling company, and see if you can make it. You will need money for that though. Is there any reason you haven’t been working all summer to save up money? My own kids save $1000s this way. I’m not clear about that.</p>
<p>ANyway, unlike some of the other posters, I don’t see that there’s a huge risk here. You can try and fail, or try and succeed, but it’s only a year and if you fail, you can go to, say, Ohio State, next year, knowing you tried. Or go to Fordham with a scholarship if its so important to you (Not sure why Fordham and not other schools in NY). But be very careful about the modeling terms --you say you have an apartment, etc. Be prepared for a back up plan. A job, a place to live. I think worst case scenario would be that this is a scam and you arrive in NYC and nothing pans out. Be prepared for that and have a plan B. Above all, you need money to get there and have a cushion, and that goes back to earning money in Ohio. </p>
<p>This is a very personal decision and only you fully know the risks/benefits. I don’t know you or your situation really, so I can’t really asses this fully. Think it out and if it’s that important to you, try to make it a reality. Be prepared for the consequences.</p>