I'm supposed to be applying to colleges now. I'm seriously confused. I really have no idea what to do. I'm torn between pleasing my parents and making their dreams come true, and being a lazy bum. I don't want to go to college, but I have to. I don't really have a choice. It's either go to college, or live with my parents for the rest of my life. I know I've got to make a living for myself sooner or later, and I'll probably have a better chance getting a job if I have a college degree, but I'm seriously depressed over this. I'm doing IGCSE's (think of it as the British version of SATs), and when I look at the admission requirements in the college/university website, they always talk about some degrees I haven't even heard of! And a lot of universities aren't clear on their application methods, etc. Another issue is the fees. My parents can only afford to pay about $5000 a year, and I get another $3000 in student aid. That's $8000 in total. Colleges now are like, what? $12000 or something? My parents say they'll get a loan if I need extra money for my education, but I'll be damned if I let them do it. They're in enough debt already, and I have 3 younger siblings who also need money. I don't know what to do. I'm so stressed.
OK... first take a breath and realize that 70% of the people your age feel the exact same way. You are me 2 years ago and truthfully its all easy. I still don't understand how it all works and what the degrees mean really but I got my AA this Fall and I'm going for my BA in Psychology (w/e that means lol). If you have any questions just contact the section of the school that would deal with it (schools are always helpfull with their bullshit paperwork). Bottom line: If it bothers you terribly that many bad things could happen and your young life ruined then you will do just fine. If your going in-state that amount of money will be fine as long as you get a job to supplement. It will be hard but you'll prolly have to eat mostly cheap things like ramen or homemade sandwiches. DO NOT under any circumstances waste your money on fast food. Well other than that... and don't get lazy. Oh, and if you have an application question go to the campus website and get the number for the admissions office. It's all easy and hopefully you end up with a sweet starting salary to get out of this crazy society.
Wait... your sixteen so you're a junior? Dude, if you're worried this early you will be totally fine. I didn't even think about what college would be like until late beginning of my senor year. =) GL man.
Actually, I graduate this year. I went to school a year early. I'm not planning to go to a college in the US. Mostly 'cause I don't live there and it's too expensive... the money, transport, visas... it's just way too much hassle. I checked many university websites around the world, and there's ALWAYS something missing. Some of them aren't clear on the application process, some don't tell you much about the courses and degrees available, AND SOME ARE IN A LANGUAGE I NEVER EVEN HEARD OF!! If only applying to college was as easy as creating a new hotmail account
College stuff IS hard, yeah. It's absolutely nuts sometime. But, I think you can find a way to balance everything. Given your family situation it sounds like finances ARE a significant concern, as are your own feelings about college and what you want to do, where you see yourself going... So, a few ideas. First, if you really are new to looking into colleges, figuring out what sort of school suits you, etc., and you're graduating this year, it might be worth applying _next_ year and working in between. That might not go over well with your parents, depending on their feelings, but I strongly believe that it's important to pick a school that really fits you, offers what you feel you need, and hopefully makes you happy. So working for a year while looking at schools would let you take your time and really get to explore schools, as well as letting you earn some $$ to help deal with the costs of school. Another option, again maybe or maybe not so cool with your parents, could be a part-time program, which again would help you save up money and work, and could always transition to a full-time program later on. On broader issues: Financial aid can alleviate a lot of costs, depending on how much the school can offer. But in general you might do better looking at schools closer to home. I gather you are British? So at least, say, something within the U.K., accessible by train as opposed to having to fly. The other thing you probably should really think about is what you'd want to do with this. Your parents would want you to go to school, and while you're not so keen on it, you don't want to be living with your parents forever, and as you said, college degrees do open up more in the future. But I think from there, what might you want to study? Not as in a "major" just yet, but on a broad level: do you want a liberal arts degree? Do you want a specialized degree in some particular field? Is college going to lead you to other things, or simply be a credential of having completed some higher-level studies? These sorts of things could really guide you in how you look at schools and which schools you look at. So, some thoughts at least. I hope things are going well! And yes... creating new hotmail accounts is much easier, and i WOULD be nice if applying to college were so easy!
Well, all the people here who've replied so far have helped you see that there are ways to get through school - even if it's financially difficult. I really liked reading through this thread. Though keep in mind that it's also a little narrow-minded to think that you'll have to live with your parents all your life if you decide not to go to college. I know quite a few people who have worked their way up to 6 or 7 digit paying salaries after hard-work and serious street-smarts.. but it takes a lot of hard work and a really sharp wit and a dash of good fortune. Please don't sell yourself short, or your ability to deal with situations as they come. I agree though that if you want to start out with a decent job (not working from the ground up), then a degree would likely help. BUT having a degree does not necessarily guarantee you one foot into a lovely job with 4 weeks leave, full benefits, a giant paycheck and a mercedes benz. I know you already know this. I do agree with the other suggestions listed. Your parents may be adamant about you taking a year off to consider but if you think that it is wiser (and do believe that you can make this choice, have faith in yourself and think it through carefully!) to collect your thoughts, notes about universities, work a bit and get some experience - perhaps this will help you decide if school really IS for you or not.
Well said, Hannah. There is something to be said about the value of having a degree--some folks do fabulously without one, and others _with_ one never really have it pay off. So the degree itself doesn't really mean the difference between success and failure, rich vs. poor, or anything along those lines. Of course, there are some fields where you DO need a degree. On the whole, I think a degree is worth it--on a population level, those with degrees _tend_ to do better. But again, there are also lots of degrees! So a BA needn't be the one... professional degrees, or a bachelor's in a specific field, there's all sorts of education beyond standard liberal arts. Take-home message: explore!
Oh, no, I didn't mean it that way. My parents said if I don't go to college, they'll make me live with them... They worry too much They think that without a college degree, I won't get anywhere. I know that's bullshit, and it's very untrue, because I know someone who makes 60k a MONTH, and he never set foot in college.
I was in the same position you were in 2 years ago. I only applied to two colleges. The first one is a university that I knew I would be accepted to and it wasn't too expensive. The second one was a private college that is way out of my price range. I didn't expect to be accepted but I was. My family pressured me into going to the private college because it has a good rep. I hate it. Because it's a smaller school, it offers less programs and nothing I am interested in. To top it off, my parents aren't helping whatsoever. I'm bitter about it. Don't go because it's what you are suppose to do, because it's your life and you are going to have to live with this decision NOT your parents. Remember who's future it is. And if you are worried about money, I know plenty of college graduates who are working as receptionists and resturant servers. College doesn't necessarily equate to lots of money. College grads start low and their salaries often times reflect it. Of course, there is the opportunity to grow. I wish I could be back in your situation and decide for myself. Take advantage of a clean slate you have. Also, if you do decide to go there should be student loans available to you. Lord you knows I had a million offered to me.
