I’ve been researching universities diligently, i know what i look for and i know what i want. What i am having a problem with is the reality of the distance of some of the colleges I’m applying to. I was wondering if anybody has some first hand experience of applying or attending a university which is 2000+ miles away from your home. I am from Montana and i have a close knit family/community as well as a culture i think is unique to other places i have visited. Do any of you regret or have hindsight of going far away? Some of the colleges that offer the most opportunity and facilitate all of my aspirations are as far as New York or PA. I have a niece and nephew who are both under 3, who i would hate to leave for 4+ years. But by far the university that represents me most seems to be very far. I’d be content with state universities, but the top two schools on my list are almost incomparable to other schools. I know it’s a very personal question to ask but does anybody have any experience or opinions? i mostly don’t want to regret being away from my family, or regret not going to my dream university.
I’ve been told I’m a very good match, almost over qualified for my 2nd choice (Penn State) and under qualified for my reach university and 1st choice (Cornell). If i decide to stay west I’d be looking at the air force academy or two state schools (Carroll and Montana State) My intended major is mechanical engineering. ideas?
Do you actually want to go into the Air Force? Don’t look at the Academy just because it is a good school if you don’t. I spent my entire life wanting to go there only to balk at the last minute because I really wanted to go to a traditional college and get that experience. The AFA is the military as much as it is a school (maybe even more so).
As for distance, it really comes down to what you think you’d like more which no one can really answer but you. Though there are good schools out west with engineering, the UC’s for example. It sounds like you don’t like the idea of going that far away, look for comparable schools closer to home, you don’t have to be forced to choose between the great school far away and the state school.
I’m from Virginia and I think I’m finally done convincing my mom to let me go to University of Southern California. I’m totally up for it despite the distance, and I have about 70 relatives less than an hour’s driving distance away from campus, but she still isn’t “happy with my decision.” I have my own confidence, my dad’s support, and my mother’s understanding (finally), so if all goes as planned this week, I’m sending in my deposit!
If you have a problem with distance, it may be best to really think through all the logistics and ask yourself if the particular schools are worth it. For me, it was, because USC has the best major program for me in the entire country. I would be kicking myself for the rest of my life if I didn’t seize this opportunity. For you, there may be some great and similar schools/programs closer to home, since your major seems to be more common than mine. Ask your parents if they’ll even let you go that far away. At first, my mom was thinking of cutting out her part of the tuition and housing payments, simply because I would be too far away. She came around eventually, but some parents don’t. Just make sure something like that won’t happen, then apply, then decide what to do after you have some nice and shiny acceptance letters. =)
Also, if you ever fear getting homesick in college, I’ve heard that weekly skype video chats and major holidays/summers at home help a whole lot. It’s what I plan on doing.
Thanks for all the advice. Kcombs, i am interested in the academy not just because it is a good school. At the least i will be doing ROTC but i would put the academy at a tie with my second choice at the moment. Regardless of whatever i pursue, serving my country is an aspiration that almost overcomes any other ambition of mine. And serving as an officer is even a better opportunity. To me the great school and 0 tuition is just icing on the cake, my decision to serve is unconditional. As for the the distance i think i am choosing against it. I figure i can go to a state school here, get a more personal education, and a pretty good one, and i can always transfer or do graduate work at another. My parents support me going where i want to, but they would prefer me to stay closer to home. And 27dreams, just out of curiosity i was wondering what your intended major is? If you don’t mind me asking.
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