<p>My ideal college is something like Bard, Sarah Lawrence, Bennington, or Marlboro (one with a very individualized curriculum). I have decided against most of them for reasons having to do with price/and or location. I also have a big history of emotional problems and I really don’t know if I’ll be ready to dorm by the end of my senior year of high school. I live extremely close to Sarah Lawrence, and I’m thinking of applying as not dorming as a freshman for reasons having to do with both affordability and my emotional history. Can I still get the full college experience? This is a question I really need answered. Thank you!</p>
<p>I think that you should at least give dorming a shot. If home is as close as you say it is, then you can run home when you need to. A lot of bonding happens outside of classes and you don’t want to miss out on that if you don’t have to… who knows, your emotional problems may slowly dissolve! I understand that affordability is an issue, too, so maybe consider getting a part-time job either on or near campus.</p>
<p>I think you have to look at what percentage of students live on campus. If a large number do, then you will likely feel “left out”.</p>
<p>Good point. If most students commute, then socializing will be very accommodating to commuters.</p>
<p>Thank you guys! After thinking about it, I probably won’t have an issue with dorming as long as I can see my parents whenever possible, which Sarah Lawrence’s location can provide. Now my only issue is cost.</p>
<p>Depending on your personal situation and a college’s policies, it may be possible for you to request a single due to medical reasons. If you end up attending SLC you might want to consider having a dorm room anyways, and go home only if you really need to. If you are not going to live at home, a dorm is a good idea for your first year because there is a support network.</p>
<p>Leisie,</p>
<p>Do you know what your family’s EFC is?</p>
<p>Do you know how much they can afford to pay each year towards your college expenses?</p>
<p>Honestly, I’v tried talking to them, but they think that its too early to figure out the finances. Plus, my mother said to me that there was no way that we could afford a decently-priced private school that was four hours away, but she’s jumping at the chance of a close school that’s over ten thousand dollars more. So I have a feeling she’s lying to me about our finances because she’s obsessed with location, but she denies it.</p>