<p>Dayton is very, very generous. My sister had a 3.9 GPA. After scholarship money was factored in, it was a little cheaper to send her to Dayton than to UK, so it was a no-brainer. UK seems to be trying to make themselves into some “selective” and “elite” university they clearly aren’t. We also saw this first hand with my brother’s classes at UL and my sister’s classes at Dayton. For basic gen-ed classes, my brother took tests on a computer at home, while my sister had to actually go into class and take her tests. They both have around 3.8 GPA’s in college. I also have a cousin who is attending UK, and I can assure you my sister is definitely receiving a better education at Dayton. </p>
<p>On another note, Fordham does seem like an excellent school, and was ranked at the 6th best Catholic university in the US by Yahoo. They are also located in the Bronx instead of Queens. How is their campus? I think I am going to apply to both Fordham and St. John’s, and if I get accepted I will then take a campus visit to them during my fall break.</p>
<p>My parents just don’t think me going to college in New York is realistic. They think I will get home sick, will hate the city life, and will essentially go through terrible culture shock. They just don’t take my desire to go far away for college seriously, finances really aren’t an issue. I’m just hoping to get a lot of aid so that they really have no reason to say no other than them thinking New York is, and I quote, “too much” for me. I have been to big cities. I have visited Chicago, Paris, and London. I love the lifestyle of the big city. Being able to walk out your apartment and go anywhere in a matter of minutes is what I want to live like. I want to live somewhere that has excellent public transportation, and what city offers better public transportation than New York. I want to live in a city that is full of diversity, livelihood, action, and tons of people. Louisville is the biggest “city” in Kentucky with a metro population of 1.3 million. It is much too small and spread out over a huge area. It is all suburban life, small communities spread out over many areas. I am the youngest of three children. I’ve watched my older brother and sister grow up first hand. I am the most independent and resourceful. I started staying home alone while my mom went grocery shopping when I was 6. I put my first computer together when I was 7. I started paying bills for my mom when I was 9. I started working at a real job when I was 15. I started working on my own car when I was 15. I was just left home alone for a week and a half while my parents were out of town for work trips. They came home and kept asking me why I didn’t call or text them. Why didn’t I call or text you? Because I didn’t need you! I am 17 and responsible. I’m grown and can take care of myself. I’l be a legal adult in less than 4 months. I have my own job. I pay for everything, except my education, on my own. I just don’t understand why they won’t take me seriously when I say I want to go away for college. It genuinely hurts me and makes me feel like I am not good enough.</p>