Epicmafia

Need Opinions

deletedalmost 11 years

So guys, this topic is going to be kind of personal. I'm at sort of a crossroads in my life and I need third-party opinions from people who are not my friends and family....

Basically, the situation is this: live in Germany, have been living here for 5 years, but am American, and was born in America. It's too long a story to explain here, so pm if you want to know more. I'm a senior in high school, going to an international school, expecting to graduate soon. I'm in the process of applying to colleges, and am almost done, but I have a simple but really difficult question to answer....where should I go to college?

The reason why this is difficult is that my family will not be returning stateside should I choose to attend uni in the U.S. They will stay in Europe, I don't know how long but it will be a few years before they return, and they are very concerned about me being an ocean away as a freshman in college. This isn't like going from east to west coast - this is two different continents we're talking about, each with their own cultures, geo-political structures and societies. They want me to attend college in Europe, but as much as I love Europe, I'm ready to go home. Money won't be an issue, so I can go anywhere I want (in the U.S.) but I'll still be alone wherever I go. So while I'm excited to return, this big gap is starting to make me doubt and question my desire to return to America. I need imput from others already in college. I'll be so far from family, but I'll have the chance to start a new life back home fresh.

So....do I go home to the U.S., or stay with my family in Europe?

EDIT: I'd also like to clarify that I'm not some rich billionaire. My family and I are part of the middle class, so while I will be able afford to attend a reasonably price college (or the average) choosing where I go will still be a big decision because I won't be always able to afford to go home (for thanksgiving or christmas etc)

Should I stay in Europe, or go back to the U.S.?

Europe

United States

deletedalmost 11 years

Flux says

Don't do what's going to benefit you professionally if it's really going to bother you.

It may be a great opportunity, but if you are not going to be happy during those years, I wouldn't go through with it.

The entire point is that he doesn't know if it's what he wants.

Flux says

Go where you feel safest and where you feel most satisfied.

These two are often in conflict. If they weren't, the choice would be obvious.

Flux says

Forget about the money or the education for a second.

Don't do this. Although you said money is not an issue lines like these are what get people crippling student debt. Forgetting the education is like "Forget that you will be an alum of this university for the rest of your life." Your time at the university is going to change who you are, and the more it changes you and challenges you the better. Quality is important.

Flux says

Think of where you'll be happiest. That is where you go.

This is OK though.

Satan

almost 11 years

Also, to add: part of university is stepping out of your comfort zone.

Peta

almost 11 years

Flux is pretty much dead on

ColdLayer

almost 11 years

You don't go where you'll be happy. You have to take into account money/education, think about your future. It's better having a bad few years then being successful rather than having a few happy years then being unsuccessful/broke.

deletedalmost 11 years

Flux says

Don't do what's going to benefit you professionally if it's really going to bother you.

It may be a great opportunity, but if you are not going to be happy during those years, I wouldn't go through with it.

Go where you feel safest and where you feel most satisfied. Forget about the money or the education for a second. Think of where you'll be happiest. That is where you go.

This is bad advice.

Your education only makes up for a very small part of your life. You may not find the satisfaction which Flux describes where you are studying, but it is such an insignificant time period that it does not matter.

Satan

almost 11 years

American university tuition is on average more than most other countries, especially Germany, whose universities are mostly public, so that is a huge factor to think about.

deletedalmost 11 years

Don't do what's going to benefit you professionally if it's really going to bother you.

It may be a great opportunity, but if you are not going to be happy during those years, I wouldn't go through with it.

Go where you feel safest and where you feel most satisfied. Forget about the money or the education for a second. Think of where you'll be happiest. That is where you go.

EDIT: It isn't a dumb question. It's a normal one.

ColdLayer

almost 11 years

If you're gay go to the University of Brighton, that's where all the gay dudes go.

deletedalmost 11 years

I'd just like to thank everyone in advance for replying to this and giving me input. I know this may seem like a dumb question but I'm really struggling with it.

Peta

almost 11 years

Smorlicious says

MeIody says

Why exactly would you want to go to uni here in America though?

Because while I live in Europe, I consider America my home. It is where I was born, and where I most identify myself with. I miss it there a lot. I'm just kind of nervous to be far from my only family in this world. >.>

It's normal to be nervous but if you're nervous in the sense that you're concerned about things like homesickness and moral support then you should stay in Europe.

deletedalmost 11 years

Just because you study in Europe, it doesn't mean you can't go to America at a later date.

Likewise, if you study in America, it doesn't mean you can't return to Europe.

Based on that alone, you could just go to university in America and see how it feels for you. See if you actually consider it your home now that you have a different perspective.

There's always the opportunity to relocate after your first year.

For that reason, I'd suggest America over Europe.

MeIody

almost 11 years

: (

Peta

almost 11 years

I have several friends who came to the US for college from Europe or Asia and they loved it. It largely depends on how independent a person you are. I chose to go to a college that's less than a two-hour drive from home, so I never had to worry about long stretches on my own should I get homesick or need the support of my family. If you think that won't be an issue for you then there you have it. You'll still be able to return to Germany during long breaks.

Go with your gut.

deletedalmost 11 years

MeIody says

Why exactly would you want to go to uni here in America though?

Because while I live in Europe, I consider America my home. It is where I was born, and where I most identify myself with. I miss it there a lot. I'm just kind of nervous to be far from my only family in this world. >.>

MeIody

almost 11 years

@ColdLayer Well, what I'm asking more of is how easy it will be for her to do so :3

@Smor Oh! That's good. You'll get into college with that easy depending on which ones. :)

deletedalmost 11 years

Yes, I have taken the SAT (got a 1760, not too shabby) and am applying to colleges in California, New York, Washington, Florida, and Texas...

MeIody

almost 11 years

Why exactly would you want to go to uni here in America though?

ColdLayer

almost 11 years

Yes MeIody, yes it is, yes.

MeIody

almost 11 years

Is it possible to take ACTs/SATs in Europe? Or substitutes for that?

deletedalmost 11 years

I would rather not have any regrets, I'd be likely to end up going away to pursue my education rather than stay back and have regrets for the rest of my life.

deletedalmost 11 years

Go to university in Latvia.

deletedalmost 11 years

Lol asking personal questions on EM like a pro....