<p>I have a major issue that I need some insight on. I will cut straight to the chase. I am an athlete, and was aiming to play Varsity college tennis, on scholarship.</p>
<p>I worked hard all summer on uni. search, and now am receiving offers. I met my goal of scholarship. I can sign the NLI in one week. All sounds good...</p>
<p>However, I cannot study engineering for various reasons, which is my projected major. My back up, Computer Science, has a possibility for no-study also.</p>
<p>I can go to a great local university instead of going across the border to the states. They have a great rep in engineering, and computer science. I can get into both fields and study what I want. The issue with this is I will get out with about 30,000$< [is that THAT much debt? I don't have a grasp on how much that actually is...] In debt from my undergrad.</p>
<p>One more issue I should add is being far away from home. I am not comfortable with being very far away (scholarship school is 14 hours bus ride). The scholarship school is just a generic state school, and is not famous or anything. I've been having terrible anxiety over which decision to take. I should also add, I've gone to a private high school specializing in my sport, for 4 years. Everyone is pushing me to take the deal. I honestly don't feel ready, and really wish I could stay home. My parents want me to get on with my life, and won't let me stay back a year. Although, I am a year ahead (skipped 8th gr), they believe it to be more negative than good for staying back a year. I am going to have a nervous breakdown soon, because I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>Any and all positive help is greatly appreciated. The topic was choppy, sorry. I was just trying to get it all out. I will probably remember more later.</p>
<p>This is just my opinion, but you might want to take the sports path. It’s pretty hard to get a scholarship so if you get one it’s good to take it. </p>
<p>For your major maybe math or physics? You can always go to graduate school later on for engineering or computer science.</p>
<p>Indeed, I am Canadian. The money discussed is in Canadian Dollars. If I couldn’t study engineering or CS, I would probably be looking at a Physical Science.</p>
<p>If you are pretty sure you want to study engineering, you should go somewhere you can do that. Although the scholarship deal would be great, if it doesn’t help you get the degree you want, it doesn’t seem worth it. And, as an engineer, you should be able to pay off that debt pretty easily. However, if you aren’t sure that you really want to study engineering, then it might be worth it to get your undergrad paid for while you figure it out. As someone else pointed out, you can always go to graduate school later.</p>
<p>I can understand how difficult this decision is for you. You’ve worked hard in your sport for years–even attending a private high school that emphasis this sport. Unfortunately, only one athletic scholarship has been offered to you and it’s to a college that doesn’t offer the majors that interest you the most. Are your academic statistics good enough to meet the criteria for merit scholarships? Does your family qualify for need based financial aid?</p>
<p>This is a decision that you will have to make. I agree with you that it doesn’t seem like a very good idea to commit to a school that doesn’t offer engineering or computer science. Have you discussed this with your parents? Could it be that your parents have so much invested in your tennis that they feel that now your tennis skills should “pay them back” in the form of a scholarship. Is the issue really about your college choice or is it about continuing with tennis? It’s time for a calm and mature discussion with your parents. Explain to them that tennis has been a valuable part of your life but now you want to pursue your academic interests. Research some more schools ASAP that do offer the majors that you’re interested in. Check out their merit aid and financial aid. Maybe you can find another school that fits your situation. Good Luck.</p>