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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: anotherlaujgirl on February 13, 2013, 05:25:42 pm

Title: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: anotherlaujgirl on February 13, 2013, 05:25:42 pm

I'm not sure.

So can I get some inputs from you all? I'm still a child so I don't know
what things are going through my parents mind. Right now it really just sounds like
transportation and money issues, but really,

Are there more to that?

:)
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: gwendolynconrad on February 13, 2013, 05:48:57 pm
Listen to your parents and pray about this situation. :heart:
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: msmoneybags48 on February 13, 2013, 07:42:19 pm
There are several options for you to seek out.  I am going to school online at the age of 54 and, unless your parents are paying for your education, you have to consider their feelings.  You can go to a community college, or do you have a choice of going to school at a university right now?  Here is my suggestion:  talk to God and ask Him for guidance.  He won't fail you, and you may make up your mind quicker. ;D :)
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: sigmapi1501 on February 13, 2013, 08:51:24 pm
Don't pray about it... God thinks most Universities are evil because they teach science. 
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: mperez7372 on February 13, 2013, 10:44:54 pm
I am a college graduate, as well as have my Master's Degree.  If you are going to college, you are not a child.  You are making decisions for your life.  Literally!  I would definitely listen to your parents concerns and consider if you can find solutions.  At the end of the day, it is what feels right to you.  As long as you are making a well thought out, responsible decision, you will be okay.  Formulate your plan of action then present it to them.  Hopefully, they will respect the "adult" way you have approached the situation and will be supportive of your decision.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: darkxtsuna on February 13, 2013, 11:09:10 pm
let yourself pick it the choice is yours.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: bobes915 on February 13, 2013, 11:24:39 pm
Listen to your parents on the student loans/debt side of the equation.  That is difficult for most incoming College students to fully fathom.  If you have less debt or no debt coming out of school, you will have more choices.  The "well, everyone gets student loans" argument is really dumb in my opinion.  Not having any student loans meant that I did not go to an Ivy League school, but having no student loans has been a major blessing for me.  It has enabled me to engage in work that I am passionate about instead of taking a job primarily because of what it pays.  As a result, I was able to spend a year living in Germany and a year living in South Korea.  Pretty good for someone who was never in the military. 

Ultimately, if a certain school is more money but has a significantly better program in your desired field of study, it might be worth it.  However, my wife attended an Ivy League University and I know that she has been considered "overqualified" for certain jobs because of where she went to school.  So going to the "best" University is not always worth it financially in the long run. 

 
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: acurtsinger2 on February 14, 2013, 06:50:44 am
only if you're willing to pay for it yourself, otherwise they're in charge
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: levettepough on February 14, 2013, 07:01:31 am
Listen to your parents and pray about this situation. :heart:
Yes I think that the parents play a great role in college picking for their child. don't get mad they are thinking about our future.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: Gerianne on February 14, 2013, 07:03:25 am
have a conference with your parents. Discuss both your side and theirs.
Offer to take a job on campus and/or a part time job.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: lvstephanie on February 14, 2013, 07:31:52 am
I guess it depends on how much of themselves they are putting on the line... If they are paying for it, then you really should listen to them. If on the other hand you're the one paying your own way, then you can listen to hear what they say, but the ultimate decision is yours. If you want to have more control, look into getting scholarships... If you get several scholarships that will reduce the amount they pay, then you should get more say in the decision (plus it'll show your parents that you are acting responsibly by trying to reduce the costs for school).

One last thing to consider is whether college will be the final step in your education journey or if you plan to go on to graduate school. If you are planning to move on, then the best University in a chosen field isn't always the best for your undergraduate work. For example, you may not want to go to Harvard as an undergraduate if you're planning to go into law... Go to a college that is a little cheaper and really excel in your classes. Then when you are applying for law school, you can choose Harvard; they usually won't down-play anyone that comes in with a 4.0 GPA when it comes to admissions to their law school, and you'll save some money in the process.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: skrogman on February 14, 2013, 08:46:13 am
I think you have gotten some great advice above.  I really agree with saying that you can get a lot of answers first from prayer, then with an adult-minded sit-down talk with your parents with respect to if they are paying for your education or if you have lined up your grants and other financial aid options.  If your parents are footing the bill, then it is important to respect and appreciate what you are being given.  And, yes, of course you can go in to your first few semesters with the goal in mind of doing what you need to do to attain a scholarship to the school you want.  In that, your parents will have pride in what your are doing.  But at the same time, in the situation you are in, you need to keep that goal in mind.  College can be a time of great fun, but you are in a unique situation.  Have fun and enjoy, but limit yourself and keep your eye on that big picture and before you know it you will have the degree you worked SOOOOOO hard for  and be following the path you were intelligent enough to decide at such a young age that you wanted.
I'm not your mother, but I am proud that you are thinking this through in the way that you are.  You will do great.  I have no doubt.  You are showing a lot of maturity already.


GOOD LUCK!
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: kapeh12 on February 14, 2013, 09:50:42 am
You should at minimum listen and consider what your parents' advice is regarding your choice in university.  There are many factors to take into account that one may not think about having lived at home 100% of the time.  If your parents are paying for some or all of your college, then that would give them the advantage in the decision of where you go.  If they are willing to pay for in-state schools, but your choice is an out of state - there are definite extra financial burdens to commit to.  Also, depending on how your personality/relationship is with your family, the further away from home you are, the more on your own you would be if you find you need assistance.

There's also the consideration of whether or not you'll get into your school of choice - maybe you will, maybe you won't which will make the point moot.  Most applications will cost money too - some schools offer cheaper application fees than others.

Things they are probably considering is the cost of tuition/books, room/board (are you going to live in the dorms or in an apartment - if the later, then how are you going to get groceries, pots, pans, etc...), items you need to live away from home (clothes, bath towels and other accessories, computer, furniture, cooking supplies or dishes, etc...), transportation (will you need a bike, scooter, car...will you need to drive or take the bus to get home), will you get a job or study full time, extra expenses like tickets to school games or movies or eating out..., phone bill charges, etc...

Often when one is still living at home, you don't fully realize how much it costs to live on your own until you start receiving the bills.  There are those that pass them off to their parents to pay, not taking any responsibility for their spending habits; then there are those that gain wisdom and understanding about how to budget.


The advice from others about considering longer term goals is a valuable tip too - do you need a full university degree now, or based on your financial status, would it be better to get some breadth courses completed at a local tech college that can be later transferred to a college when pursuing your degree.  Doing that could help save up for the university studies by working while attending school to save up for the full university costs.  Others mentioned online courses (which can also be transferred).

When I graduated, it took me 8 years to pay off the debts I accumulated while in college, and my parents helped pay for some of my schooling (they paid room/board, I paid tuition - when I moved out of the dorms, they gave me a monthly stipend I had to budget for paying rent, food and utilities).  You could get student loans, but how much in loans will you have by the time you expect to graduate...how long will it take to pay that amount off when you are on your own - paying rent, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, etc..plus paying off the loans.

Good luck in your decision!
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: coreyw87 on February 14, 2013, 11:26:28 am
Yes, if they have to provide finances.  Its only fair because even though its your life your parents have to make the ends meet if they are providing finances.  Now if you are going to meet all your own needs I guess it would be ok for you to totally make the decisions.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: dorannmwin on February 14, 2013, 11:56:47 am
It really depends on your particular situation. You see, my mother encouraged my little brother to not go to the university of his choice because of the costs that would have been associated with his going to an out of state college. However, in our situation, my mother was covering the cost of college for which we were not able to qualify for scholarships, so I really do think that there was a place for her to include her opinion.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: camellia0 on February 14, 2013, 12:36:05 pm
They should have a say in your school (esp. if they're paying) but YOU have to like it...you will be attending, not them.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: 5Yari32 on February 14, 2013, 12:51:34 pm
no
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: anotherlaujgirl on February 14, 2013, 05:48:01 pm
I am a college graduate, as well as have my Master's Degree.  If you are going to college, you are not a child.  You are making decisions for your life.  Literally!  I would definitely listen to your parents concerns and consider if you can find solutions.  At the end of the day, it is what feels right to you.  As long as you are making a well thought out, responsible decision, you will be okay.  Formulate your plan of action then present it to them.  Hopefully, they will respect the "adult" way you have approached the situation and will be supportive of your decision.

Thank You. It's just so difficult.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: Tresbn00 on February 14, 2013, 07:17:15 pm
Unless they are footing the whole bill they shouldn't have a say in where you are going. If it is about money ask them if you can have the money, once a year, that they would spend on the school of their choice.  That way you can spend the money on the school of your choice and make up the difference out of your own pocket. If you are happier going to another school the chances are that you will try harder at that school (because you respect it more).  You will also try harder if you are contributing your own hard-earned money.  I would sit down, with your parents, and sort through the reasons why they want you to go to a certain school and explain your reasons for wanting to go to a different school.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: smithjcsdfw on February 14, 2013, 10:18:01 pm
It does not cost you to listen to your parents advice.  And you can always ask them for more information on why they believe in what they are telling you.  Ultimately though it is your choice on what you do and of course haveing to live with the consquences of those decisions.  But unless you have already decided on a major course of study and vocation the first couple of years in an accredited college or university are pretty much the same.  Just make sure that your credits are transferable.  Than when you decide what you are going to major in for your undergraduate degree you can decide which university is better for you to pursue that degree.  Best of luck.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: schoolvan on February 15, 2013, 01:08:21 am
No I think you should make the disicion of witch one you go to it is your life not theirs. that is just my opinion.   
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: madeara on February 15, 2013, 05:29:23 am
Your parents have wisdom.  Listen to your parents and pray for the Lord's direction.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: washibi on February 15, 2013, 05:13:01 pm
I think you should pick the univ. you want because you will be the one going and it is the path to a better future college is about finding yourself so choose the path that suits you i think they will understand
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: jowbow on February 15, 2013, 05:28:18 pm
When I went to school my parents didnt foot the bill I did with a small school loan.  I worked part time and went to school at the same time.  So my loan was paid off before I finished.  I didn't get get the job I had taken schooling for so I when back to school again several years later for a different job.  I worked in that field for 17 years but went to school every year just to stay that field.  Nowe I can't get a job in that field because I am over quailified for that job.  I still take classes every year to keep my license in that field even though I can't get a job.  My grandfather always told me that an education is power and you should never stop learning no matter what you do in your life. 
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: mperez7372 on February 24, 2013, 07:10:19 am
I am a college graduate, as well as have my Master's Degree.  If you are going to college, you are not a child.  You are making decisions for your life.  Literally!  I would definitely listen to your parents concerns and consider if you can find solutions.  At the end of the day, it is what feels right to you.  As long as you are making a well thought out, responsible decision, you will be okay.  Formulate your plan of action then present it to them.  Hopefully, they will respect the "adult" way you have approached the situation and will be supportive of your decision.

Thank You. It's just so difficult.

It is difficult!  But guess what the good news is... there is no choice that will be a bad one.  Just going to college is a great choice, the one you choose is just icing!  AND, you can always transfer is you do not like where you choose first.  Lots of people transfer colleges.  It's not like high school where it is difficult and uncomfortable to change after you begin.  After you make your choice, enjoy your experience.  If things don't feel right after a semester or two, talk to your career counselor or department head about transferring.  You will be great!   Congratulations on your upcoming college adventure!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: anotherlaujgirl on February 27, 2013, 08:03:59 pm


Thank you all! :)
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: tzs on February 27, 2013, 08:15:30 pm
I'm not sure.

So can I get some inputs from you all? I'm still a child so I don't know
what things are going through my parents mind. Right now it really just sounds like
transportation and money issues, but really,

Are there more to that?

:)
Are they paying for it?!?!?
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: gaylasue on March 08, 2013, 06:25:10 am
Who is paying - you or your parents?  As long as they hold the purse strings, you should listen to them.  If you are totally independent, make your own choice.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: mark81265 on March 08, 2013, 06:33:03 am
If money is the issue try talking to your parents and see if you can get a job to help chip in so that you can help towards the huge bill but also go to the school of your choice.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: sherryinutah on March 08, 2013, 07:06:16 am
If your parents are financing your education they call the shots.  If they're not....

you might want to consider their opinion; however, the choice is yours. 

Go within; sleep on it for a few nights, and follow your heart.  Learning to listen to your higher

self so you can do whatever is best for YOU, is a skill that isn't necessarily taught in school.   :heart:

Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: timandvicky1 on March 08, 2013, 07:20:12 am
Well are you paying for it?  I would say if you are independent enough to be paying for it then you should be able to make your own choice.  However, if they are the ones paying all your bills then they should absolutely have say in it!!  However, even if they are paying for it, you could always sit down together and have a honest talk about why you are wanting a different university.  Never know, handle the conversation like a grown up, have a list of why you are picking something different and just see.....maybe they will understand why?  Good luck!
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: diala84 on March 08, 2013, 08:48:17 am
Who is paying for your education? If your parents are going to pay the bill or a large portion of it. It is in your best interest to go to a college or university that they approve of. If you get a lot of scholarship, are paying on your own, etc.. it can be more of your own choice. Just be careful, a lot students end up with huge debts and a degree they hate or can't get a job with. The college you start attending doesn't have to be where you stay. If you find your passion and career path elsewhere you can always go to a new school for the later part of your education and transfer the credits. The first couple years are mostly about exploring your options and deciding what you would like to do and there is no reason to spend a lot more money for a special school in this time for your exploration. If you think you have a clear idea now, that is great take some classes and see if you still feel that way in a year or two. A lot can change. Transfer to a different college when you have a certain goal in mind.   
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: jwallbank on March 08, 2013, 08:56:34 am
I would have to say that this is an open question. There seems to be alot of open questions! Parents, Just by being parents are normally responsible and are looking out for your interest! If  you want to go to YALE or some high cost University, they may not seem it is worth your while, especially if you have to take $200 K in loans to get through school, even if they can help you out on some of the cost. I have two children and I am not a rich man!! I would suggested that they go to Community College for their 2 years and then decide their college of choice for the following 2 years. This I could handle, at least get them their AAS degree and then go on from there. This way they could stay at home for the two years, get a part time job and decide where they want to go to get their BA degree. Talk to your parents and don't get into the situation where it is only what you want, if they are helping out or paying all the cost, they definately should have a choice.
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: dkanofsky on March 08, 2013, 11:21:51 am
You might STRONGLY consider it, if they are footing any part of the bill. :D :D :D
Title: Re: Should I let my parents be a factor to not going to a University of my choice?
Post by: tashamjoy on March 12, 2013, 09:48:46 pm
personally i would but thats just me they have raised you and done everything for you i respect my parents and would listen to their wishes and needs but i would also see wanting to do what i want hope that helps pray and talk to them about it it should work good luck !!!!