<p>I am from New Jersey and finishing my freshman year here in Virginia. In high school I was unsure what I wanted to major in, so I decided to go for general engineering, and this school has a general engineering program for Freshman. After my first semester, though, I decided I want to study computer science. Since out-of-state tuition is expensive, they suggested that I look into computer science programs in other schools. So I did my research, found several attractive programs (offering courses and specializations that my current school does not). I applied to a few in my home state of New Jersey, but also an out-of-state school in Louisiana, which is the only school I have been accepted to so far. The rest are a no.
I would very much prefer to transfer to Louisiana-- I have even visited the campus over break. My parents, however, demand that I stay at Virginia Tech, and try to transfer in-state again next year. I can understand that the school is very far away, but would it really be that different than it is now, all the way in Virginia? Also, the tuition here is more expensive. I would be saving them money by being farther away.
They refuse to even let me convince them. They think I should stay here for another semester, and try to transfer closer to home again later. They will not pay for my tuition if I accept to transfer right now. Really? They would rather I drop out for a year than earn the degree I dream of, for less money? How can I convince them to support this very important decision of mine, or am I absolutely forced to follow what they say?</p>
<p>Try to explain to them calmly why you want to go to Louisiana. Talk to them about why it’s important for your future. If they won’t listen, you really don’t have many options, unless you can pay the tuition yourself with some combination of loans and work. Which isn’t really a very good decision, to be honest. </p>
<p>It’s an unfortunate truth, but one you might have to acknowledge - parents usually still hold the financial power-cards when you’re an undergrad in college.</p>
<p>Will they pay if you just stay at Virginia Tech to complete your degree?</p>
<p>If not, then it is entirely possible that their restrictions will leave you with no options at all, if all of the NJ options reject you (and dropping out to take a gap year and reapply to the same schools is not likely to result in anything different) and the affordable options are not allowed by them for non-financial reasons.</p>
<p>Which specific schools did you apply to, and what results did you get (i.e. rejection versus admission and net price)?</p>