What do you think should i do??

Question

Last August, my classmates and I took an entrance examination to the most prestigious university in our country. I took the exam not to study there but just to see if I could pass it. Then, the results came last Monday and I’m one of the 5 students at school who are accepted at the main campus (the university has other campuses all over the country), and the main campus is the hardest one to enter. My classmates said I should study there, and it’s such a big opportunity. But my parents said I can’t because it’s too far from our home and I’m not responsible enough and of course, the 300% tuition hike is something they can’t afford. As for me, a part of me wants to go there and meet all those intelligent people that I see on TV but the other part wants to stay here in our city and study at our local school where I’ve spent my elementary and high school years. I’m really confused. Of course, if I choose to study there, my parents would have to agree. Please give me advice…

Answer 1

My 2 cents:

You're on the cusp of adulthood. Your entire life to this point has been based on pleasing your parents but your life forward will be entirely your own life. Your parents will not bail you out when you have kids of your own, or want to take a second honeymoon to Tahiti, or need to pay off your mortgage. It's no exaggeration to say the decision you make now will affect the rest of your life, and unfortunately, once made you can never go back.

So consider carefully:

These are the best universities because they weed out everyone except students with the most potential to learn and to contribute to other student's growth. Once you graduate, you'll be courted by the most prestigious employers - those with the highest salaries and greatest job satisfaction. Later, should you decide to get a Masters (you should), you'll be set to get into another excellent, prestigious school. Once out, your career will skyrocket. You'll be viewed as a high potential employee. Not only will the real money come, but statistically you'll have far greater job satisfaction than you would have at a more ordinary job (you won't realize the indignity of a boss who is clearly inferior to your abilities). Plus you have a far greater chance of meeting a mate with the same intelligence, drive, and goals as you. There's no guarantee, but you'll have opportunity; which will slip away if you choose mediocrity.

Tuition is an idiotic reason not to attend. You're a smart girl, you do the math. Go to an average school, get an average job, say making $45K/year. Give yourself a 3% raise per year plus a 10% promotion every 5 years until your 65 (believe me, I'm being generous). Now go to a top university, get picked up by a top employer. Start at $65K/yr, give yourself a 3.5% raise a year (you're a high potential employee) and a promotion every 4 years (you realize your potential, so this is very realistic) and keep going until your 65. Figure the difference in earnings over your career, then consider if $50 or $100K in the hole at 22 is REALLY that horrible...

I have my BS from an excellent university, which made it easier to go to a top university for my MS. After working in aerospace for a few years I got into management, for which I had no aspiration but found I'm very good at. I received a full ride for my MBA, which again, was done at another great school. Now at 38 I love my job, I have responsibility and authority, never worry about money, I have intelligent and creative circle of friends and a fantastic fiancee, and will meet all my financial goals and responsibilities and still be able to retire at 55.

You have to think ahead to the rest of your life. Your high school friends, the tuition, even your parents wishes must come second, because only you will have to live out the next 60 or 70 years of your life. The comfort, and quality of your life will be shaped by your decision right now, more than any other. I wish I could propel you 20 year into the future - all confusion would evaporate in an instant. I can't, so I can only give you advice from someone who made the right choice. Go to the hardest school you can, take the most challenging classes, learn and grow as much as possible. It will make all the difference.

Answer 2

I think the university is much more a growth experience if you are away from home. Of course, if this is beyond the abilitiy of your parents to pay for it, then it isn't an option. To go to school in your home town costs much less because you can live at home, not worry about food and the basics, but you are missing out on what could be the most memorable years of your life.

If it's an option, and you have the self-discipline to stay focused on the important things, then go to the best school. If it's not, then get your undergraduate degree at home, and go to graduate school somewhere else on a scholarship. That's my advice

Answer 3

University is an experience in itself.
I missed a good opportunity to learn because of the same reason and I don't find myself anywhere.

Take ur time, Think what do u want to do in life and is the univ edu going to help u in getting closer to ur dream.

If yes then don't look back, because there is no second chance.

Answer 4

Please try to find a way! You don't want to wake up one day 10-15 years from now and say to yourself, why didn't I try? You will regret it. I now regret being 28 years old and not caring about college when I was younger.

Go For It! Tell your parents you will find a job (or 2 :-) and apply for all the scholarships and grants that you can.

Oh and if they don't think your responsible enough, start proving to them that you are now, by getting as much as you can done by yourself. Also maybe tell them to let you go for one semester and see how it goes......

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Go...your parents should want you to go to a school as prestigious as the one you described, and the fact that they don't want you to go is more than a little wierd. There are all kinds of grants, loans, and scholarships to help you pay for college. Maybe if you research your options and present them to your parents, they will see that you are a mature young person who they can trust to send to a school far away. You don't want to miss this oppurtunity!

Answer 6

Many financial lives are ruined by starting life with mammoth student loans, sometimes over $100k with incomes that will be only $50k per year.

Avoid this rat hole at all costs.

This test has given you a nice new perspective on possibilities.

the two choices here are only a few of the many possibilities; think of an in-between possibility with some give-n-take with the folks.

Answer 7

Your next step should be to inquire about scholarships.....and go, if you were 1 of 5 that's impressive and you should not let this opportunity past you bye.......good luck

Answer 8

you have the CHANCE!! the golden chance that is so coveted!

go go go. you cannot regret that!