I live in NC and am choosing between UCSD and William & Mary. My parents and I are originally from California so we have friends there, and my grandpa lives about 2hrs for UCSD. I’m really close with my family, esp my younger sister, so that is a huge draw to going to W&M and being only a 3hr drive away. Which would you recommend? Will I regret staying in my comfort zone or missing my family more?
None of us know you so we can’t decide for you.
I went to college on the other side of the country and it worked well for me. Doesn’t mean it will work well for you.
What are your educational and career goals? Those are two very different types of schools (and great too). My opinion would be to go away and try a different environment but only if the school is a great fit for you. The upside is that you have relatives and friends to count on if you get homesick or have an emergency. You can always move back to your hometown to start your career if you really miss your family after college.
Forgive me, but I am not understanding the dilemma. If you have been accepted to both, then the SIR dates have long past and you should have made a decision long ago so neither is an option now???
If you are applying for Fall 2018, then you apply to both and see if you are accepted to both. Neither is an easy admit.
Since your parents are no longer California residents, you will not receive in-state tuition costs, so make sure they are OK with paying $60K/year for you to attend UCSD if accepted. There is no financial aid for OOS students. This may help you towards making a decison.
Apply and visit. Compare costs and then make a decision among the schools you are accepted to.
I think that finances are a part of the discussion.
If you attended school in CA, would you be able to afford a plane ticket home for Thanksgiving? For your sister’s Sweet 16? For your BFF’s engagement party?
How much would it bother you to miss any of those if finances are a concern?
It comes down to personal preference, finances etc…