When I am 18, can I legally choose what college I want to go to?

Question

My parents are wanting to sent me to the local community college. I do not want to go simply because I am tired of living with them. I am academically eligible for many scholarships and admittance to the university i wish to pursue. I am an honors student, I have went to the college for workshops and am acquainted with the staff and the facilities very well. I will be 18 in July, right before I start college in the fall. The truck is in their name, so that could be an issue. But provided that I take care of that and support myself. Is this possible, even though it will step on a few toes? If this is possible, will anyone give me some info for grants and scholarships I can qualify for. I am Choctaw Native American and wish to pursue a degree in Medicine. Thanks

Also can I get student loans without their signature?

Answer 1

Once you're 18, you can legally do whatever you choose, as long as you plan to pay for it completely by yourself. You do need to think about what this will do to your long-term relationship with your parents; if things don't work out for you, you may not have them to come back to for help.

Do you know why they are so adamant about having you go to the community college? Is it really just that they don't want you to leave home, or is there something else? Do they need your help, or is it possible that they know something about the college you want to go to that you aren't admitting to, like that it isn't very good? This is a big, perhaps irreversable move, so you really need to think about what you are doing. Is there no possible compromise?

As far as financial aid, the potential problem you will run into is that your package will still be based on their income. Even if they won't pay anything, if they have been putting you as a dependent on their income tax form until now, the expectation is that they could afford a certain amount. This will be less of a problem if they are really low income. You need to talk to the financial aid people at your college about what you might be eligible for. Unless you are such a fabulous student that you get a full ride, your biggest problem will be paying for the gap between what you are awarded and what you need, not just to cover tuition, but everything from housing and food to books as well. You will probably need to work a fair number of hours to accomplish this at most schools.

Answer 2

Most likely 18 is the deciding age. However, make sure you are prepared for the expense. As a native American, you would certainly be eligible for many scholarship, grants and student loans. A lot of young people choose to go to a local community college for the first two years to establish themselves in school and prepare for the difficulties of attending a university. A community college will provide you with all the core classes that you would received at a four-year college, and the atmosphere is generally less stressful. However, if you are determined to go against your parent's wishes, you need to get started submitting applications for any financial support you may need. Check with the school you are interested in attending regarding the financial aid.

Answer 3

You can do what ever you want to do. Be aware that you will be liable for the bills you rack up through student loans. I'm wondering why you can't start at the local school and then transfer. Give it and your parents a chance. Perhaps getting your own place while attending the local school will appease everyone and show your parents that you are self sufficient it may change their minds about the university and then they may assist you in going to the university that you want to go to next year.

Answer 4

You can do anything you want when you're 18, at least as far as things that are legal :-)

If you're not concerned about ticking off your parents, then go for the scholarships, or student loans or whatever and get out....but remember, if they are really mad, you may not have anyplace to go during the holidays or summer - is that what you want?

You should talk to them, explain yourself, and that it isn't going to cost them an arm and a leg...there is no reason they should stop you.

Answer 5

No you can apply to ANY college you want to, but THEY have to accept you! And you don't have to be 18, just a graduate or have the courses under your belt from a homeschool. There are 16 year olds in college, including Harvard.