As the May 1st deadline is approaching, many high school seniors are starting to finalize their college decision. Many factors play into finding your “ideal” university— cost, distance from home, and what programs are offered. It is hard for me to believe that a year ago I had just taken my tour of my current university and was making the choice to go out of state.
A choice that I have never regretted.
So I strongly encourage everyone as they are making their college decision not to dismiss any out of state college at first glance. There are some advantages to going out of state that just can’t be ignored.
Three words: Academic Common Market
One of the most daunting things about college is the price tag that goes along with it. Most people can barely afford in state tuition, let alone out of state. If paying for college is one of your main concerns that does not mean you automatically have to eliminate out of state colleges. If you live in a southern state there is a program put in place called the Academic Common Market. Thirteen states participate in this program which gives students the ability to qualify for in state tuition at a college that is not their home state if the major the student wishes to pursue is not offered in state.
I personally took advantage of this program and it is one of the main factors of why I am able to be attending a university out of state. If you go to the Academic Common Market website you can search your state and a major of interest, and see what is and isn’t offered. For instance, if you search “communications” and “Georgia” several options will come up, including the major integrated strategic communications at the University of Kentucky. This is the program I chose to take advantage of and I am very glad I did. If I would have stayed at a university back home, I would have just majored in communications. By attending the University of Kentucky I have been able to get a more diverse education that gives me experience in a variety different segments of marketing, communications, and public relations.
If the Academic Common Market does not work out for you, there is also plenty of other ways to find money at an out of state university. My university has scholarship levels based off of GPA and SAT/ACT scores as well as diversity, community service, and first year specific scholarships. Plus, they reward you for making good grades and you can apply for Academic Excellence after your first year, making all the following years a bit easier to pay for.
Friends from all over the nation.
The United States is divided up into 50 states, with each state having its own subculture to the general American culture. By attending a university out of your home state, you are able to experience something completely new from what you are use to. I have been able to meet people from all over the country who have had different experiences from myself.
These friends will all spread out after college as well. I look forward to being able to travel in my spare time after college to see these friends and experience their specific cities.
New weekend activities.
Every college town has its own signature events. Coming to the University of Kentucky, I quickly learned that there is no choice but to be a basketball fan. These games have become one of my favorite parts of the school year though, whether I’m watching the game on TV or live at Rupp arena.
During September I spent every weekend at Keeneland betting on horses, something I have never done before in my life. Keeneland even hosts its own scholarship day, where students come one Friday in September and their bets on horses gives them the ability to win prizes and scholarship money to go towards their tuition.
There are exciting new events like this surrounding every college campus. Many college campuses have things that are traditional to them and there is nothing more exciting than joining in a new tradition.
Get prepared to take on the rest of the world.
The second my parents left me after helping me get settled into my university was one of the scariest moments of my life. I had no clue what to do with myself. I went through sorority recruitment which gave me a whole week to not only meet new people but also get adjusted to the layout of my campus. I started to learn where I liked to eat and where I didn’t, began to like my cramped dorm room instead of resent it, and met a variety of different people.
During my first weeks of school out of state I did not say no to anything I was invited to or had the slightest interest in. I stepped out of my comfort zone in many circumstances and I am a better person now because of it.
By going out of state I have realized that there’s nothing to be scared of. I should take every opportunity that’s given to me and I should enjoy all moments. The world is at my fingertips and I should pursue that with all I’ve got.
So I urge you, high school seniors to keep all your options open. Every day I find a new reason to love my university and my new city.
