<p>Some parents have worse separation anxiety than their kids do going off to college and fear losing control and a parade of horribles. So its about trust. Yes, some kids go off to college (whether across country or upstate) and utterly blow it with partying. But that is fewer than you (or your parents) may believe. Most of the freshman partying ends ABRUPTLY after midterms and midterm grades come out. Its like OMG! And the crack down into the books. </p>
<p>Going away to college is a great experience for most kids. Going across country can be stressful, for all involved, but it will work out. </p>
<p>I see you are also admitted (your statement) to UCLA and UCSD and Claremont McKenna. Those are also fabulous schools and would provide you with a wonderful undergraduate experience and preparation for medical school. As between Hopkins and Dartmouth…that is a matter of personal preference and the kind of college experience you want. Hopkins is an urban school in a big city. Dartmouth is very remote and rural and COLD. But both schools are excellent preparation for medical school and have outstanding med school placement.</p>
<p>To me, UCR should not even be in the picture, in the context of your other choices.</p>
<p>Its a bit strange that your parents want to move closer to UCSD and Claremont if you go there. Are they hovering and smothering you? Do they fear with you gone away to college you just might make decisions on your own that they might disagree with…as in major course of study or career decisions? They arent going to college, you are. </p>
<p>You can’t go wrong with any of your choices…but clearly UCR is at the bottom of the pack.</p>
<p>And frankly, with what you suggest about your parents, you really do need to get away and prove yourself to them as a responsible adult, no matter what you end up doing in your life.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>