Okay so I really like what UC has to offer and my mom is okay with me going to IL (that's the furthest I can go away for college), but honestly the thing is that as I live in NYC, I don't want to really go to a college in IL, but UC seems worth it.
Do you feel I should just get over it and apply? Based off what UC has to offer and the undergraduates here, it seems as if you get a legit education at UC and I don't wanna pass that up.
Apply, and if you get in, then decide. You don't want to refrain from applying and regret your decision later.
What I would do is, first apply. If you get in, visit the school, possibly with your parents. Maybe do an overnight stay. Discuss how you felt about your stay with your parents, and if you feel that it's worth it, then go.
Not only is Chicago a great school, but Chicago is a fantastic city and a world unto its own as opposed to the rest of Illinois. The opportunities for theatre, museums, restaurants, art, shopping, architecture, music, etc are among the best in the country if not the world. Don't sell it short. Definitely come and see it. I was not that familiar with the city and what it offers before my child came to the University, but now I wish that I had looked at it for myself when I was applying to college years ago (Even though it was not what is now at that time). I am so impressed with the school and the opportunities it has provided my child, and myself and members of my family have attended all of the ivies and other top universities. As far as the quality of education is concerned, it is clearly equivalent and at times better than what I received at another top university. It's an incredible place and getting better all of the time. Give yourself the chance to check it out and see for yourself.
I can understand what your worries, but Chicago is a great city. It's only the third biggest after NYC and LA. So unless you were going to a school in the city, Chicago would be about the best alternative you could find out there. It's not as crowded or busy as NYC (which is why I liked it so much) but has lots of music (from classical up to modern), theater, arts, shopping, ARCHITECTURE, parks, and food. So I think you'll be fine.
I'd suggest visiting the city itself if you're going to visit the school. Spend a day in it if you can, and I think you'll be content. It's a great city and a great school. Good luck!
Wow you really have a tough mom. I mean your limited to IL as the furthest city you can go? What happens if you get into Stanford? Caltech?
Anyways, Chicago is amazing (my favorite city). Entertainment is literally endless there. There is really good and cheap food there too. (have you been there?) All I can say is the city is great, so apply.
At 10-12 hours driving NYC-Chicago, you could fly anywhere across the country in half the time. Distance should not be a consideration if you are not talking a radius of about 100 miles from where you live. In any case, make sure to visit the schools you are interested in and even the ones that you are not, if you happen to be in the area.
Aww thanks guys. Your input really helped. And Im going to try to visit IL. The reason my mom won't let me go further than IL is because she doesn't want me too far. She does want me to leave NYC, but not to far where it would worry her. At first I was limited to the east coast (From NH to PA) and then after some talking I convinced her to let me go to IL. I understand my mom though because our family isn't that big and all we have is eachother so you know, she doesn't want me on the opposite side of the country lol.
But guys, really, thank you! Im going to make it my business to visit IL.
