<p>I was accepted to a large state school, probably in the top 300-400 universities in the world.</p>
<p>I expected to get into a more selective school, but as many people here probably know, things do not always go our way. Now I have this choice, but I am worried about the lack of “openness”. I have been travellling all my life and now I am going to a school with students that come dominantly from this particular US state. I am worried that people here would have grown up in the same place all their lives, building the same values without being exposed to any others.This is a huge generalisation, but please bear with me. I can explain further if anyone does not understand. Has anyone been in the same position? Did you go to the school and find out otherwise?</p>
<p>Some schools may be more homogenous than others, but you may find that state schools, depending on its reputation, may attract some diverse viewpoints and different types of people. For instance, I am going to a state school where 66% of the students are from that home state, but there is a significant out of state and international population as well. It also happens to be borderline south/midatlantic where it is not my home state. I was at first a bit nervous at the thought of going to such a place, but found some very inviting and friendly students there. You could always check out the corresponding Facebook group or online student profiles if you aren’t sure. It differs by school of course but you’re bound to find people with similar perspectives as you. If you don’t like it after your first year, you could always transfer to a smaller or more diverse school. Good luck!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, that is why it is a “Large state school”. It is affordable to the local and state, and in some cases non-residents compared to private universities in the state.
On the bright side, you are well traveled like you said, so maybe you should look at it as a way of sharing your experiences with these local students, and learning their culture as much as you can - thus, making great friends and connections, while staying focus on your career goals. College is really what you make out of it, so plan on having some of your most memorable life experiences in the next 4 years…irrespective of where you end up studying.
Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Personally, I’m from a large state school and I enjoy it there. It really all depends on finding your crowd. I am from the state its in, but as I’m not your typical American, I was worried everyone would be like my closed-minded high school classmates and I would have a horrible 4 years ahead, but now I’m a senior, I’ve made plenty of friends that think like me and enjoy the things I like, and I’m loving the school. It’s a big school, that typically means it’s got a large and thus diverse student body and class options. Take classes and/or join clubs that go along with your interests and your sure to make friends. Even those from the same state don’t think the same way especially with larger states where people are more spread out. My school is also helped because, as a study abroad school, we have a lot of international students which is the category most of my friends fall into. A big school can be a great chance to meet many different people, state school or otherwise, I think.</p>
<p>If you go to a university in your home country, then won’t most of the students there “have grown up in the same place all their lives, building the same values without being exposed to any others”?</p>