When it came time for me to start applying to colleges, I took many factors into consideration before applying such as the campus life, academics, financial aid, and the size of the school. My plan was to stay in the Northeast demographic, and the furthest away I looked at was Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. I applied to six schools that I was interested in attending and one that my parents wanted me to attend. That one school was the University of Connecticut, since I would receive a discount for being an in-state resident, which is something my parents reminded me of countless times. I was a little hesitant in applying since I did not know much about the school except what I’ve heard from upperclassmen, but I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to apply.
Taking into account my GPA and ACT score, I would most likely be branched to the Stamford campus and take classes there for a year before going to the main campus. A majority of the students who applied to the University of Connecticut from my graduating class were branched, and it wasn’t because the students didn’t try in high school; the school accepted more out-of-state applicants. The CT Post published an article in 2014 explaining how it’s becoming more difficult for in-state applicants to be accepted into the main campus because the school has been geared towards drawing in more out-of-state students to apply. The article also interviewed Danielle Lanslot, a student who came to the main campus after spending a year at the Stamford campus, who found it difficult “assimilating onto the Storrs campus her sophomore year”. I believe that I would have the same problem adjusting to a new campus since I wouldn’t start with the typical college experience of dorming on campus that I was looking for. Even though this would only happen for a year, I would not be inclined to spend a year at a branch. I would feel alienated once I went to Storrs since I was practically a transfer student.
Another reason why I wasn't sure if I wanted to attend UConn was because of the location. If I were to be branched, I would have to commute my first year, which would be problematic for me since my family is in the process of moving to Maine. I would have to stay at a relative's house for the year just so I could commute to take courses. Even if I didn't commute, the idea of getting to know a new state is what lured me to applying to schools outside of my home state. I would feel sheltered attending UConn because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and go someplace that was foreign to me, which is what I ended up doing.
After taking all of these factors into account, I decided to revoke my application before I heard back, since I realized that UConn wouldn’t have been a good fit for me, even if I was accepted to the main campus. It’s an excellent school that has much to offer, but I don’t believe I could have made the most out of my time there. A couple of months later I decided to attend Pace University due to the scholarship I was given and the opportunity to go to school in the Financial District, which is perfect for any business major.
Although staying in-state to attend college may be the right fit for some, don’t feel pressured to do the same. If you feel there is a better opportunity somewhere else or just want to get out of your home state and have a new experience, go for it. The goal of college is to mature and grow as an individual so you can secure a job and survive on your own. If you feel limited staying in-state, then take a chance and attend a college someplace else. College only lasts for four years, so don’t feel obligated to stay where you feel most comfortable in your home state. Take a risk and go someplace new; you may be surprised by what's other places have to offer.
