opinion needed...university choices for evil stepchild

[the_bird]

Sounds like you know the right decision. Lesson one of college is learning how not to let your family control your life. As to the major, old media is dying but the need for information is not; if it's something that you enjoy, go for it. You *might* find that as you take your gen-ed classes and different electives and get to meet new people, you might change your mind; that's fine. It sure as hell isn't our place to tell you what to study!

 

[Brewin_Bob]

Since my stepmom and dad live here, I'll be considered "in-state". I've already checked out the discount and it applies...1/2 off of tuition and fees, which adds up to about $3,000 per semester.

Oh, bet. Move to Tennessee and get the biggest bang for your buck!! Don't know if it'll apply to you and your mom but, remember to call her every now and again (read: at least every other week) to avoid the "you never call your mother" speech/tears.

Here's wishing you the best!!

Wait, you're still a minor, :rockin:

 

[jmendez29]

First, to everyone on here, its not fair to try convincing her not to go into journalism. You would simply be speaking out of both sides of your mouth if you're telling her to go to the college of her choice but pick a different major. Second, to the OP, have you considered community college? It may be a nice compromise to your mother to spend a year going to CC and stay at her house. Get your gened classes out of the way for an even cheaper price tag. Just make sure that the final college of choice will accept those credits.

And just to reinforce what everyone else has been saying (and that you have stated from the beginning), life is hard enough as it is. Seek counsel from your parents, but make your own decision. If your parents truly love you the way they should, they will support your decision whether they like it or not. If you make decisions to appease your parents, you'll probably regret it at some point or another. I've always felt that the best lessons are learned from mistakes. There is no way you can make every mistake possible in your lifetime, so learn from the mistakes of others as often as possible. You'll be a happier person for it.

 

[foxual]

Speaking as someone in grad school currently who footed the bill himself (through loans) for school, GO TO THE SCHOOL WITH THE BEST RATIO OF CHEAP:GOOD AS YOU CAN GET INTO. And the rest be damned.

Also, as an aside: I assume one day you'll probably want to get married, and as a man joining that club in 3 months, my future wife and I both have college debt that we'll be paying off together, thankfully not a massive amount. So keeping that number low now makes a lot of sense for then too.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

If your mom wants you to go to college in TX, let her pay for it; ALL of it, including room & board. If YOU are paying for it, I say take the deal in TN. Mom will get over any hurt feelings, especially if you explain it to her calmly & rationally. Regards, GF.

 

[conpewter]

I agree with the sentiments here already, go for what is best for you. I wanted to add that going 'away' for school is a very very good thing. I have lots of high school friends who stayed in the same area, lived with their parents, went to community college and just never seem to have grown up. I think they missed a lot of opportunity, there were a lot of them that were smarter than me, but just didn't ever get out into the world. Do yourself a favor and get out on your own, just don't go crazy at college.

 

[IrregularPulse]

remember to call her every now and again (read: at least every other week) to avoid the "you never call your mother" speech/tears.

Ha! This will not work anyway. My MIL give my wife the guilt trip is she hasn't talked to her in 3 days! Mean ole me took her a measly 2 hours from them and she can't get over it.

I agree with the sentiments here already, go for what is best for you. I wanted to add that going 'away' for school is a very very good thing. I have lots of high school friends who stayed in the same area, lived with their parents, went to community college and just never seem to have grown up. I think they missed a lot of opportunity, there were a lot of them that were smarter than me, but just didn't ever get out into the world. Do yourself a favor and get out on your own, just don't go crazy at college.

100% on Pewter!
If you go to TN don't live with your dad and stepmom either. Living away for college is just as important to the experience as the education. Classes teach you the subject specific knowledge you need to succeed, Living on your own for 4-5 years teaches you the life lessons while still having your parents to fall back on. You're parents are just as much your parents when you're 6 as they are until you graduate college, (No matter how much you may dissagree) land that first job, and move out to your own apt. Then they can become your friends.......and baby sitters

You're mom will get over it, if she cannot, then she is being very selfish.

I couldn't imagine how hard it would be for her to have you move across country. I have a 10 month old son and already can't imagine him leaving. But being a good parent is letting your kids go be themselves and do what they need to do.

 

[EdWort]

If your mom wants you to go to college in TX, let her pay for it; ALL of it, including room & board. If YOU are paying for it, I say take the deal in TN. Mom will get over any hurt feelings, especially if you explain it to her calmly & rationally. Regards, GF.

+1 big time

 

[malkore]

Its time for your mother to cut the apron strings and realize that you're not always going to live close by.

My wife's cousin moved to Germany 3.5 weeks after she graduated High School, and is there for a total of 4 years on some vo-tech tradeskill/fellowship program (she does old school carpentry and restoration).

She only gets back here once a year. Your mom should be lucky you'll only be 1 timezone away.

 

[srm775]

First, to everyone on here, its not fair to try convincing her not to go into journalism. You would simply be speaking out of both sides of your mouth if you're telling her to go to the college of her choice but pick a different major.

No, I don't think they are. I think many people here perhaps have a bit of life experience and know that while money isn't everything, when you don't have it, it certainly seems like it is.

IMHO, I wouldn't go into journalism ... and I graduated with a degree in it. Look into it if you like, take a few classes but you really should consider how happy you'd be in it.

Second, to the OP, have you considered community college? It may be a nice compromise to your mother to spend a year going to CC and stay at her house. Get your gened classes out of the way for an even cheaper price tag. Just make sure that the final college of choice will accept those credits.

This isn't really a good idea. You can have problems transfering credits from one four-year in-state school to an equal state school, much less different state schools or community colleges. Many community colleges have specific agreements with local universities, check into those if you do decide to that route.

 

[user 30639]

Being able to graduate from college debt free or close to it is huge. Unless your mom is footing the bill or is willing to pay off your loans when you graduate, you need to do what is best for your future.

The only downside is Texas is a far better state than Tennessee

 

[Bedlam]

Thanks to all for your opinions.

The Evil StepChild is now back in TX with her mother. I believe she's got a good head on her shoulders and is considering her options carefully. As of now, she desperately wants to go to U of TN. During her stay, we spoke at length regarding the concept of debt=slavery. I hope it sunk in. She's an awesome young lady.

 

[IrregularPulse]

congrats on having a child so responsible so young. Sounds like she'll do fine no matter where she ends up.