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Ask the Guru a question.Your Parents' Problem
I am planning to go to college in Boston and I currently live in South Florida. My family suggested I should consider going to a public university near home and then transfer to either the University of Miami or a school in Massachusetts to finish my undergraduate degree or master’s degree. They say that it will not only be cheaper, but it would also ease my transition to college and in becoming more independent. Do you believe this is a good option or is this just some kooky idea to get me to stay home?
This question is hard for me to answer without knowing your financial and family situation. Public universities certainly cost less than private ones, and it’s true that you could save money by going to a state school for a while. Living at home would also allow you to save money. Having said that, I would encourage you to live on campus, wherever you go to school. Living away from home allows students to take full advantage of college life and to experience the independence your family mentions. It sounds to me like your family is experiencing something very normal: difficulty in letting their son or daughter go. Talk to them and see if this is the case, or if there is some other motivation for their wanting you home. If they’re simply sad to see you go, tell them you understand what they are feeling, but that this is a natural next step in your life—one you’re very excited about. Just because you’re leaving home doesn’t mean your family is losing you, Sometimes, in fact, going away to college can actually improve parent-child relationships! You might want to also consider attending one of the very fine Florida state schools, such as the University of Florida or Florida State. That way, you would have the experience of being away from home (and probably a car’s drive away) and, as a Florida resident, would pay a much lower tuition than at the University of Miami or as a non-resident attending the University of Massachusetts. This might accomplish the goals of both you and your parents.
My 14 year old son wishes to attend a pre-med program in college. Please give us some guidelines to begin preparing. Other than taking challenging courses, and doing well with grades, what recommendations would you offer? We are planning for him to attend one of the summer programs this year.
In all honesty, I think you’re thinking too far ahead. The summer enrichment programs and special educational opportunities you can make available for your son are great, but they should be viewed as a way to enrich his life, not prepare him for med school. In about the ninth grade, he should begin making course selections that will allow him to enter a selective college. Along the way, of course, he should study hard, stay involved in a number of activities, and enjoy life. There are eight or more years between now and medical school for your son. A lot can happen, and he might even change his mind.
I have a very strict father who desires me to stay within the boundaries of the states bordering ours. I wish, however, very strongly to attend a school in California (we live in Oklahoma). What advice or techniques do you suggest in order to convince my father into letting me attend the college of my choice? (I am a junior in high school.)