Hey, this is really random but I need help so I am a high school senior and I’ve gotten into a lot of top colleges and a lot of top 20s in the US but my parents really want me to go to a community college to finish out my prerequisite so I can transfer into a good nursing program and graduate an under 2 1/2 years, but I really want to college experience and I don’t wanna miss out especially since I’ve always been a very isolated kid I need y’all‘s opinion should I just go to community college and have them pay or should I go to a foyer institution and enjoy the college experience and for reference my parents are well off and could pay but would make me take out student loans and pay it off myself
reeeeally agree with your parents on this one sorry;;
college has gotten so expensive now and there's really no point in going to a pricey one for classes that will be the same anywhere else. you'll still be able to make friends at a community college and have time to experience full college life for the rest of the time you're finishing your degree. but you won't be stuck with a huge amount of debt stressing you out for ages after when you're still dealing with trying to find a job and stuff
congrats on getting in to so many places though that's awesome!
Do what you want, no matter what other people think, it's your life, you should prioritize yourself always. On the other hand, letting your feelings choose, like wanting to go out of fear of missing out, is it wise? no, the question most important to everything is why, do you really want that experience? and why? why do you feel that fear of missing out? where does it come from? I know it's hard to clear your mind of all outside noise but it's important you do this to make a decision that you won't regret in the future, there is also no need to do everything all at once, it's ok to take your time... if your parents are suggesting that why is it? is it a money thing? is it a professional/prestige thing? (idk how things work in that area) so... once you have some of these questions answered or none at all, up to you, I suggest you visualize your life in the next 2 years (from the next 6 months on)...write it if you want and then read it back to you out loud, does it make sense? then do the same for the you after 10 years, write it down, read it back, if you don't wanna wright it you can record an audio and listen it back, up to you. Finally, answer this: what is it that would make more sense to you as to the steps to follow to achieve that 10 year older version of yourself? in the choices that are available to you now. Hope this helps, wishing you huge success in whatever path you pick :D
honestly, follow ur heart! (and see what's best for ur career path). if u go to a community college and don't enjoy it, you'll regret spending the money to go there. The same is for opposite case. and no matter the case, don't stop applying to scholarships.
u can also decide on which school gives u the most money if u choose a 4yr institution as well. Assuming ur willing to put the hours in, and be financially responsible, paying off the debt won't be utterly impossible. U can also get jobs while ur in school and save most of that income (granted, being able to save more than 20% of ur paycheck is a privilege in it of itself). I know people that have gotten their MA certification while taking classes and are able to work flexible hours, in case ur not interested in a typical part-time job. It's more money, but they've told me its worth it.
Also, if u live in the US, see if ur state offers grants and scholarships for in-state schools specifically. For example, Florida has the BrightFutures program and it covers up to 100% of the tuition for any in-state institution.
General Piece of advice: As someone who is also quite isolated/introverted, get roommates for at least your first two years. I'm not someone who goes out of their way to meet people or form genuine friendships or connections with them, but having roommates has allowed me to at least socialize more.
this ended up being an info dump, but I hope it'll be of help.
to add to all this (sorry lmao)
I think it only applies to some colleges and universities, but u can also take courses at another school for a summer semester at the rate of the school ur going to. This is especially useful in ur first two-ish years because you'll be able to get a ahead in ur (usually just ur gen eds) credits for cheaper than going to ur 'regular' school. but that also means u probably will have a pretty hard workload for the years following. such as having to take orgo, physics, and anatomy and physiology at the same time (an example).
that's also something u have to consider of u decide to do CC first.

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