Should I Go Where My Friends Go?

A lot of high schools students we talk with are wrestling with the question of whether they should go to college wherever most of there friends are going. While there definitely isn’t an across-the-board answer here, there are a few things you should probably consider if you are wrestling with this question.

What are your ambitions for college?

While you can weigh having your friends around as a fun and important element, be sure to carefully weigh the other factors that are really important to you.

A big part of college is about new friends.

You’ll definitely never replace your best high school friends. However, one of the best parts of college is meeting a TON of new people and getting to make friends with people that have very different backgrounds and experiences than yours. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Life has too few opportunities for major change.

This is one of the best opportunities in your life to live somewhere new and meeting totally new people. If you are waffling between a new place and something “safer” or closer to home, we’d definitely suggest giving the riskier option a try. Remember, nothing is forever; if you hate it, you can always transfer closer to home. However, most people in life regret the risks they DIDN”T take, not those they DID.

Your best friends will be friends for life anyway.

Don’t be afraid of losing friendships by going to different schools. The real friendships will thrive and be made more rich and interesting because you’ll have different experiences to talk about. Plus, with Facebook and texting, you’l probably be more connected to old friends than you think.

We know that none of these are easy decisions. Be sure to talk your options over with both friends and adults that you trust. Ideally, try to find a couple of people who you respect that have been through college in different places. They can help give you some great perspective.