|
Urgent: info about The University of Arizona needed!
Gosh, most of my posts lately are asking for advice! I should be studying for my finals right now, but I just thought it would be wise for me to drop by GC really fast to ask this very important question -
Anyone know anything about the University of Arizona? As in quality of undergrad education, if they know anyone who went there (and liked it or not), blah blah blah - anything they can say about the school. I know though that Shopgirl on GC went there! Please, if you would like to comment on the U of A, please do. You can post here, PM me or email me: newbiegc@hotmail.com I really have to make up my mind fast on whether I should apply or not. The reason I am asking is because my dad just dropped a pretty surprising, albeit smart, comment on me: that maybe I should apply to one more safety school, just in case. I am pretty much guaranteed admission to my other "safety school," but I'm not too sure that I would actually be happy there (which is key, I know.) At first I was surprised at my dad's comment, being that I just finished my last (or I thought it would be my last) application. Then I thought, maybe he's right about this. So I thought about it. I'm not interested in the liberal arts schools, as I love the big school atmosphere, and my parents won't let me go anywhere far - as in, no school out of the West Coast LOL! So, I thought long and hard tonight about the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado (schools that I wanted to apply to ever since I was a soph in HS, but didn't, at least up to now). Tonight, I ruled out CU Boulder simply b/c I know I would die in the cold weather...I can't stand anyting below 50 degrees (sad but true). But, I decided maybe I really ought to apply to the U of A. I wanted to go to teh U of A since I was a sophomore, but my mom said no, concentrate on the UCs. And I have...being that all but one application went to teh UC system. Well, maybe my wanting to go to Arizona wasn't a very good reason though...I've been a big Wildcats fan, so that was the primary reason back then. Also I think all the sun is great. I'm a total hot weather girl. But now, I need to really focus on if the quality of undergrad education there is good and whether they have strong programs in psychology, education, and sociology. Also if they give adequate financial aid...I'll be an out-of-state applicant and out-of-staters have much greater costs. Things about social life and the atmosphere in the state of AZ in general would also be great. Any other comments about the U of A PLEASE SHARE...it will do me tons and tons of good!!! I really have to make up my mind fast, so I really hope the posts will come flowing in. Sorry, GC seems like the fastest way to get posts. And I apologize for my panicky-state. Thank you all so much and wish me luck on my finals! And I'm sorry but now I have to go study so I can't respond to my other threads (like the psychology thread) quite yet! |
I have a few greek friends there. The greek scene is huge at U of A. My buddy had a horrible rooming situation and complains about weather alot and he was from So Cal. If you like August Vegas weather, you're money in AZ. I spent a summer at ASU for the CTY program and it was breaking a 100 degrees by 10AM.
I am not sure about the academics aspect nor financial aid. But one of my friends has 2 bros and a sis and I am sure he is getting financial aid. My best advice is to go to the nearest Vromans or Borders and pick up one of those New's Week college edition magazines. That's what I did. Also, DSig is an alum from U of A. So you may want to PM him. Good luck! We've all been there! |
Quote:
|
I'd stay away from the magazine guides. I've read as many articles denouncing those. They factor a school's endowment into the ranking--which is why schools like Harvard and Yale (with endowments over 10 billion) have higher rankings than schools with higher average test scores and lower endowments.
When I was looking at schools (4 years ago! Yikes!) , I liked Fiske and Princeton Review. I liked how they had what the STUDENTS--the real "college experts" --felt about the school, and not just some numbers crunched into a computer. 2 safety schools? I didn't realize until after I got to school how I applied to fewer schools than most of my friends--only 4! (and one was my state school, so it doesn't count). PM me if you have any more questions. College admission time shouldn't be so stressful for high-schoolers! :mad: |
Jeez I only applied to 3 schools, but I had 2 safety schools on the ready just in case (i applied early decision to my top 3)
U of A is a good scool Car. I'd apply if I were you. It has all the aspects you're looking for-- big campus, school spirit, greek life, and Tucson's a good town. Yes the weather is HOT. But its not bad, of course, I say this having grown up in Las Vegas, so.... Academics-- well respected. I am not sure about your programs. Financial Aid -- call the U of A fin aid office and ask. When in doubt, apply. :) Good luck! Amy |
Where else did you apply? Personally, I applied to eight colleges- two dream schools, four realistic schools, and two safety schools. I wound up going to the last school to which I applied which was my safety. If you think that you might want to go to Arizona, apply. If not, find a new safety school.
|
I visited the U of A for rush two years ago, so my information is based on rushee applications from that year and my knowledge of my friends and my sisters' friends who attend/ed U of A.
Academics: takes students who either have high GPA's and lower than expected SAT's or lower GPA's and higher SAT's at VERY GOOD high schools out of state or people who are right in the middle or really great students who want to stay in state. They also have an amazing program for students with learning disabilities. I have always been impressed with the speaking and writing abilities of the women in our chapter there (and I'm kind of snobby on that issue). An attorney who I used to work with got his BA in Psychology and Sociology there, his Masters and I think PhD in Social Psychology there and his JD there. He taught Psych at Humbolt state for a while before deciding to practice law. Social: U of A is a great party school and has a fabulous greek system. Rush numbers have hovered in the high 700s for the past few years with pledge classes in the 50s. Chapter total is 130 and the large groups have close to 200 members. I have a sister who is currently a freshman in college and her friends who applied to USC, UCSB and the level of school also applied to U of A as a safety school. Two of them went there and are very happy. Weather: when I went for rush it wasn't as bad as I thought b/c August is monsoon season and it drizzles or pours for part of most days. The year I went was pretty mild I guess, and it drizzled a lot of the time which just cooled things off enough to survive. Congrats on getting your other applications done! I know nothing about their financial aid but you can probably apply after your first year to get in state tuition if you stay in AZ for the summers. Laura |
Thanks you guys!! :)
I feel so mixed about the whole thing. On the one hand, U of A seems so fun and I think I would have a blast there. On the other, I'm not sure if I'm so ready *myself* to leave the state of California. One big obstacle is my mother. My dad thinks it is wise for me to apply to another safety, since he knows I don't want to go to the safety that I already applied to. My parents, though, keep on saying how good a school my safety is and how it would be nice for me to go there. (Ha, I think they say that also because that safety is not too far away from SF!) My mother, in response to my announcing that I might apply to the U of A, is like "Arizona! NO! So far away, stop dreaming. And you know how hot it gets?!" I tell her that AZ is only a state away...so close to Southern Cali too (well sorta). Geez, it's not like I'm moving to Paris or anything. It's not fair, because my older sister had applied to U Penn, NYU, Columbia, among others, that were on the East Coast during her college search. My parents didn't have an issue with that. I think probably my mother is most bothered because the U of A doesn't have the "name" that UPenn, for example, holds. I wonder what to do. I also looked on the U of A website last night, and their deadline for their Fall 2002 apps is in April of this year! WHOA, that is really weird, at least to me. All the schools that I applied to and am familiar with had deadlines of either early January or late November. In fact, I'm supposed to get my college acceptance letters by April 1, 2002, so I find U of A's deadline kinda strange. I sent them an email last night to ask them when I would hear if I send in my app this month. I honestly don't want to go to my safety school (which, as I said, I am almost virtually guaranteed acceptance to). I don't wish to mention the school here, though. I just don't want to go because it's in Northern Cali and I'm sick of NorCal, to be brutally honest. Also, they have virtually no school spirit and is just a medium/small-sized school. I like big schools. And they don't have warm weather (which is key for me...shallow maybe, but true). Also, 2 other schools that I applied to, I don't wish to go, either (very bad, I know). They are not my safety schools (actually they are pretty hard to get into), but I just don't see myself there, ya know? I don't like the environment there and the location... :eek: so I'm soo hoping that I can get into my top three choices. (1. University of Southern California (though my mother is not too happy about me liking 'SC so much), 2. University of California, Santa Barbara, 3. University of California, Irvine (choices 2 and 3 are pretty much interchangeable... I'm not too sure about which I prefer). So...I don't know what to do. Gosh I am so indecisive. I think I would like to apply to the U of A but my mother stands in my way. I also think that if I had to choose between my present safety and the U of A, my parents would mandate me (or at least make me feel very, very guilty) to go to the safety to which I have already applied. Partly because the safety that I have now is known for "better academics" than the U of A, although that's just from the college guides. My parents religiously follow those college rankings...it's sick. Another reason that they would try to keep me from going to AZ is b/c the safety is much closer to home, and would also cost less. I'm just doubtful right now if this whole U of A thing is realistic, b/c I'm scared that if I apply and get accepted, and decide that I wanna go, my parents will say a firm "no." My dad did tell me to apply to more schools...but maybe he's not totally serious on the issue. :confused: B/c I think when it comes down to it, he of course will try to make me stay in CA. Ahhh...what to do...what to do... :( Sorry you guys I am just freaked out about this whole thing and trying to handle finals at the same time! Thanks so much for listening to this worried HS senior! :) |
Hi Newbie!!!:D
The University of Arizona is a wonderful school!!! Of course I'm biased, but hey, you asked!;) Seriously... The campus is absolutely beautiful. It's big but not overwhelming. All university buildings are made of red brick. I believe it's some sort of rule that any university building has to be 80% brick. I could be wrong, but something I've heard. It has sort of an Ivy league, East Coast feel with a touch of West Coast; palm trees, beautiful people, etc. It has a lot to offer as well. They just opened a new underground learning center geared for freshman that cost the university a whopping 20 million dollars. They've built a new bookstore that has anything and everything you could want as well as a new student union, I believe. The Greek system is huge. Lauradav is pretty right on with rush numbers. I believe it to be the largest in the Pac-10. As far as studies are concerned, especially for undergrads, opinions will be mixed. I've heard in the past that b/c the U of A is such a research focused school that little attention is paid to undergrads. However, the university is taking/has taken great strides to improve that stigma...the new underground learning center is an example of that. They do reach out to freshmans with great enthusiasm. I remember being in my dorm my freshman year and my advisor, who I had not yet met, calling me to make sure I was going to meet with her. I was pretty impressed with that, shocked, but impressed. We have an excellent Psychology department. The grad program is very competitive. Also, our business school is one of the best in the country. I forget the ranking, but it's impressive. Especially our MIS department. By the way, not only does the school have a tremendous amount of school spirit, the town of Tucson does as well. There is a fantastic support system for this school. It's a lot of fun. If you do apply to the U of A and end up coming here, you won't regret it. Do what's in you heart!!!:) |
Car-
everyone I know that went to the school their parents wanted them to go to instead of the one they wanted to ended up hating it and transferring. Yes, Mom and Dad are paying for it-- but you're the one that has to live it. Remember that. U of A. I would say it is the most like what you love about USC of all the other schools you've applied to. Those Wildcats are crazy about their teams! I agree with shopgirl, I don't think you'd regret going there at all! :) Good luck! Amy P.S. What's your other backup school?? Have you stressed to your parent how differently your 'rents are treating you compared to your older sister's application process and the places she was alllowed to consider? WOuld they feel differently if you promised to minor/double major in business????? |
Carolyn,
I started at the U of A as an undergrad and finished up my last year of law school there! I loved it! The campus is beautiful and they've been making lots of improvements on it. The programs you mentioned are all strong at Arizona, and you would just love love love Tucson! It is a wonderful college town--although not really a town. There's about 800,000 people in the entire metro area. I say go for it! It won't hurt to apply. :) |
Thanks girls!!! :D Did anyone notice how all of the replies here have all been from girls? Hmmmm...LOL.
I am just so confused. I have realized in the past two days that I REALLY want to go to the University of Arizona now. I have shocked myself! Amy, you are so smart...the U of A totally reminds me of USC. And lately, I have realized that the U of A has almost everything that I'm looking for in a dream school!! And, now, I so want to go. I'm even thinking more about the U of A these days than UCI and UCSB. I've even thought about how the U of A might fit my wants better than UCI and SB! BIG PROBLEM though. HUGE, possibly. *Sorry, prepare for my rant* My parents. I have talked to them and they totally think I am springing a huge practical joke on them. Pardon my language, but WTF?! I have told them honestly what really makes me think that the U of A is a good match, and have told them how totally unhappy I would be at my safety school. What part of that do they not get?! My parents even said flat out, "Does it matter if you don't like your school if it's a good school? What's the point of giong to a school that is not as academically-good?" :rolleyes: :mad: :eek: :( I hate my parents right now. I really do. I understand they want the best for me. And they think that just going to a top-50 school is the best for me. But what part do they not get - I DO NOT LIKE my safety school. I hate how close it is to home, how they have virtually zero school spirit, how boring (supposedly) social life is there...I could go on and on about it. Plus the weather is not warm there, and as I said, I need warm weather. I even think my hometown - San Francisco - for heaven's sakes, is cold! LOL. I want to go to a school where I can say with pride, "I go to the University of __________________!" I want to go to a school where people love their school, talk about the school with pride, and are proud to wear their college sweatshirt. I'm the type of person who would drive out of her way to get a college sweatshirt, a school license plate, etc. And, to be honest, my safety school would just not cut it. For any of this. I think about my safety and go "Oh...that's cool." With not very much enthusiasm. I have been the Spirit Chair at my school for two years now. My HS lacks spirit though, especially since it's such an academically-absorbed school. That's why spirit is such a key for me for college. Amy, I'll email to tell you which schools I applied to (and of course, which school is my safety). I am so sad, because as of now my parents think it is laughable that I am even considering the U of A. They are not taking me seriously. Basically, they have told me flat-out that it is better to be unhappy at a "top" school than happy at a less academically-prestigious school. I hate that. They treat me as some sort of trophy or something, someone to brag about. I know they love telling their friends where my sister ended up at college (since it's a well-known, top academic school). And they would be ashamed, as it seems now, to tell their friends that their daughter attends the U of A. Heck, they don't even like UCSB and UCI (though they like UCI better than SB) that much. They only think about the Berkeleys, the UCLAs, the Stanfords, etc. etc. Basically the top 20 schools. I have a few classmates that applied early to Stanford and got in. My 'rents found out and kept on going on and on about it, saying how I should have applied myself earlier in my HS career so I could have gone there too. :rolleyes: :( I'm sorry this post is all about my bitching, but I'm just so sick and tired of my parents, and just so mad because I think I might have just found a great school for me, but they just don't give a damn! |
Hey newbie, sorry you're having such a tough time with your parents! My parents are very similar about schools, it's all about going to the best schools. I haven't looked at Fiske in a couple of years but does it really distinguish b/w UCI, UCSB and U of A all that greatly?
I was lucky b/c my parents always thought my choices were the "right" ones but one of my sisters had some problems with my dad when she applied to school b/c she would have gotten into most of the Ivys and she wanted to go to Amherst. She made a list of all the schools she was applying to, divided into far reaches, slight reaches, attainable and fall backs and wrote down what she liked, disliked, etc. about each school next to their statistics. She made my dad go back to Amherst with her and visit so that he could experience it first hand. It totally swayed him. The fact that she had done all the research and cared so much really impressed him and the visit to the school really impressed him. I don't know if there is any reasoning with your parents on this issue, but sometimes it helps to go in prepared for battle. You might also want to talk to your dean or college counselor at school about the problems you are having with your parents. He/she can probably help you develop arguments or may meet with them to talk this through. Good luck! |
Quote:
Well, among the Asian community (I'm Asian-american, and my parents seem to be thinking along with other Asian parents), UCI is thought of as a top school. And it is. Probably because it's slowly mirroring Berkeley (YIKES) in its academic pressure and never-ending studying. My parents, of course, love the idea that if I go to UCI I'll become this perfect student who will study a lot. My parents are very traditional Chinese parents, and they think basically that if you don't do spectacular in your studies, you aren't worth much mention. :rolleyes: UCSB is thought of a party school (and maybe rightfully so), but they always seem to forget that UCSB is a great school, too. Teh U of A? Well, here they know virtually nothing about it. And that's the problem :(. My parents think it's nothing but a party school, I think. Wow, Amherst is a wonderful school. It is, of course, the number one liberal arts college. My parents would be overjoyed if I were to go to Amherst! I think it's too bad that Amherst doesn't get as much of the spotlight that Harvard, Yale, etc. gets. I feel sorry for your sister that initially your dad did not support her decision :(. I am so glad that he has warmed up to the idea tho! Oh, counselor thing. yep, I've asked my counselor to talk to my parents, but only about the psych major thing. Maybe I'll drop in after Finals and ask her if she can talk to my 'rents about the U of A. My parents don't seem to give a damn though (pardon my language). After my counselor talked with them about how stressed I've been over the whole college app process, they're just like "oh." they don't seem to care, sadly. I don't think a counselor could help my situation that much with myparents :(. They're stubborn and sooo stuck in their ways and beliefs! thanks so much for listening to me rant laura, I really appreciate it! :) |
I'd say...
...apply to U of A. You sound like you really like it, and it's four years of YOUR life, YOUR education, and although your parents may be paying, they're not doing the work, living the life, etc. Things will work out for the best.
U of A sounds like a great school for you! I came from an "academically competitive" high school too :rolleyes:, so I understand the pressure to get into a "good school"--especially during Early Decision/Action time. Actually, for my class, it wasn't about going to the "best" school, it was about who could go the farthest to school. So, I understand why you don't want to go to a school where it's like a pressure cooker. I also understand the whole "school spirit thing". I was Spirit Coordinator my Senior Year, so having a school that rallied around its football team (I'm from Florida) was a HUGE deal for me. Luckily, I found what I consider the "best of both worlds"--a good school that's not overly competitive where the student body is spirited. I think you've found your match with U of A! :D Have you ever mentioned to your parents that in most cases, where you went to school has very little bearing when you apply for your first job? No one "in the know" thinks U of A is a school for slouches, and it's possible you could get a "better" job out of U of A...there are tens of thousands of alumnae! (How small is your "safety"?) Best of luck...and I'm upset for you...hang in there! |
Re: I'd say...
Quote:
Spirit at my school is pretty much non-existent. People, sadly enough, are usually too tired or too jaded to give an ass about the school. When people from other schools are like, "Wow, you go to that school?!" We're like "It sucks. Be happy that you aren't a student here." (LOL, I'm sure our school's administration is proud of us students! haha) I, too, think I have found a wonderful match with the U of A!! But, the problem is deifntely the parents. I don't know what to do. If they are so reluctant as to even let me apply (actually as of now they haven't even said OK to that), how am I gonna convince them that I want to GO?!!! In the lucky case that I get into my top schools, visit them and the U of A (if I get accepted), and decide I love the U of A better, my parents would be shocked and downright MAD. They'd be like "What the hell are you doing? You're damaging your future!!! Are you crazy?" :rolleyes: Yep, that happened with high school too. Basically, I was, in a way, forced to go to my present HS after getting accepted. The last paragraph that you wrote is what I'm trying to drill into my parents' heads (rather unsuccessfully, sadly)!! I keep on telling them, "Mom and Dad...the truth is, it doesn't matter as much as to WHERE you go to school, it's a matter of how well you do in that school and what you do THERE." They're like, "Yeah right. YOu mean to tell me that those who go to Harvard will be shoved aside in favor of someone from like San Jose State?" I said, "Well...if that person from Harvard got a 2.0 and the SJSU guy got a 3.8 who would you hire?" They laughed wickedly, and were like, "Duh, Harvard." Sigh. They don't get that my GPA would be adversely affected if I were to go to a school that I hate. They care so much about GPA and so they should heed to that fact. But they don't! :( Oh, the safety that I have right now, only has about 10,000 undergrads. Whereas the U of A I'm sure has undergrad numbers in the high 20,000s right, Shopgirl? You're definitely right about the alum connections there AlphaChiGirl!! :) Thanks for being so supportive everybody!! |
Newbie, this is all so unfair for you! :(
I kind of know what you're feeling though...When I decided to leave Tulane for LSU, my mom told me things that hurt me very much - that I peaked in High School, that I was too good for LSU and that I was wasting my college education, that I just went to be with my boyfriend and friends, if I had given Tulane another try, I would have learned to be happy there. Even still, she tells people "yes, she goes to LSU. But she had a very good scholarship to Tulane." Same thing happens with my roomate who transferred to LSU from TCU. Her mom points out how she had scholarships to TCU, even though she goes to LSU now. If you can just get over the hurdle of picking a school, I think your parents will be happy if they see you happy. I hope so. When I was at Tulane, I cried every day. After some time at LSU, I became a much happier, well-adjusted person. And my mom saw that and is happy that I feel good about myself. Yeah, I know I kinda sold out for an easier school, that I could have gone Ivy if I would have wanted to leave the state, but overall, it was a good choice. Would a school like UCLA be a good comprimise for you and them? Is there ANY place that ya'll could comprimise on? How about taking a visit to U of A to see their campus, talk with a career counsellor there. Every school is ranked highly on SOMETHING. LSU isnt' tops in a lot of things with the US News crowd, but our Business school got named in the top 10 by a business journal. So there's gotta be some statistics and rankings out there by some less-well-known publication that can work in your favor. Good luck. I hope this helps some. :cool: |
Newbie-
What if everyone here who has had experiences like juniorgrrl were to write you an email telling you about how they listened to their parents instead of their hearts and it turned out poorly. It would be important for everyone to state their school, school they left or school they wanted to attend, year, GPA, and age. I think it will especially hit home from those of us who are a bit older.... ????? Honey, I am so sorry your parents are being such buttheads. I can't even imagine how infuriating this must be for you. Its YOUR life, and YOU'VE got to live it. Find a way to apply to U of A (can you borrow $$ from someone to do it?) and then wait and see. Maybe SC will give you a full scholarship. Maybe Uof A will, and then you'll have your answer and you won't have to worry about parents paying...? Sigh. Hang in there, and please, if you need me you know how to find me... :) Amy |
Thanks Aimee! (Did I spell it right? I hope so!)
Yes, I think definitely your Mom felt the same way my parents are feeling right now. It's understandable...I know they want the best for us, but it's so frustrating at the same time! I would hope that they would be happy if they saw me happy, but I'm afraid that they won't even give me the chance to be. :mad: I know they also think I'm "selling" out for a lesser-known school. But c'mon, what's more important: happiness or being absolutely miserable at a good school? I think, who gives a rat's ass about if you went to the Berkeleys of the world, if you're so unhappy that you bring others down with your sad demeanor? And I'm so glad that you transferred to LSU, Aimee :D. You're such a good role model for that cliched but absolutely true idea of how important happiness is. :) Do you all know how I can check out which schools are strong for psych (as in actual concrete ratings)? I'm hoping that the U of A is up there :), so I can prove something to them. As you all know, they thrive on rankings. :rolleyes: And even then, it prolly doesn't matter to them tho :(, since they don't even like psych and the idea of me majoring in psych anyway! UGHH. I hope I can apply to the U of A. I really hope so. Pray for me!! :) That I can apply there, and end up extremely happy at some school. Whether it be the U of A or another school!!! |
I haven't found psych rankings, or general rankings--
But Undergrad business programs (your favorite! ha ha) In a ranking of , like the top 200 schools-- 12. University of Southern California 23. University of Arizona Neither UCI nor UCSB is anywhere on the list. |
Quote:
I DEFINITELY know how important it is to go to a school that you like. Cuz college is all about growing, finding more about who you are as a person, and simply - living life. How will I do those things if I'm at somewhere I hate? Now if only the 'rents understood that... Thanks girls who have posted, you guys are GREAT!!!!!! Hugs to you all for making me feel better!!! |
From the Fiske Guide to Colleges:
The University of Arizona offers a wide variety of academic opportunities and enough diversions to make it no place for those who need coddling or individual guidance. Sciences are unquestionably the school's forte - the astronomy department is among the nation's best. Students have access not only to leading astronomers but also to the most up-to-date equipment. Eager shutterbugs can pore through photographer Ansel Adams's personal collection, and the Center for Creative Photography offers one of the leading photographic collections in the world. The University Honors Center offers one of the nation's largest and most selective honors programs. In addition to offering 200 honors courses per year, the center features smaller classes, personalized advising, special library privileges, and great research opportunities. Despite the high percentage of off-campus residents, students stream back onto campus on weekends for parties, sports, and cultural events. Fifteen percent of the men and 14 percent of the women belong to fraternities or sororities. One of UA's most time-honored traditions is Spring Fling, described as the largest student-run carnival in the country. As for the spectacular weather, prospectives are warned to honestly evaluate how it will affect their ability to concentrate. UA is the place to go to engage in the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and a good tan. |
Quote:
Thanks Amy for looking that up for me!!! I am blessed to be a GC member - you all are so sweet!! :D P.S. Amy, I had emailed you a few days ago, but don't know if you got it? :confused: I'm gonna email you now so to tell you which schools! |
Hi Newbie:)
I just want to say that I'm sorry that you're having a hard time right now. Things will work out. It was awesome that Amy found those rankings for you. Perhaps you should show them to your parents. Keep us updated. I would love to know if you end up at the U of A. If so, we could get together. It would be awesome to meet you. Christina:) |
Quote:
But no matter what happens, Christina, I will always be a fan of the Wildcats!! BEAR DOWN!!!! :D |
Newbie, I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. I have my own experience about persuading my parents (dad especially) about letting me go to my number #1 choice. I am too tired right now to type it out, but I would gladly e-mail it or post it if it might help in some way.
I sent you a PM the other day...I don't know if you got it :confused: Good luck with everything...and please stay strong. I know everything feels out of control at the moment, but things will work out for you. Melissa |
Car,
I am just delighted that you are seriously considering Arizona! And if you go there and ever have a jones for a good home-cooked meal...I will just have to give you directions to my parents' house! They love to feed my friends--especially when my friends are starving undergraduates! lol. :D |
Hey sweetie,
I'm sorry that you're going thru tons of shit right now. I'll be pulling for you, girl! You seem like such a sweetie. By the way, Arizona is an excellent school and I am sure you'll enjoy it there. Also, since you want to go Greek, I must give a plug for my sisters at the UA! ;) The Thetas there are classy, sweet, and beautiful -- inside and out! Maybe you'll go Theta at the UA? Best of luck to you, |
I'm genuinely smiling for the first time in days!!!
Hi you guys!!!! :D
Well, I have pretty great news...my mother let me apply to the U of A!!!!!!! I felt so awesome when she finally relented. Finally I can apply to the U of A, and I am so glad b/c then in my future I will either have less regrets or pure happiness that I applied here...depends if I end up a Wildcat or elsewhere. Tonight after I got home I kept on telling her how I soo wanna go here (and why), how I'll pay the app fee myself, how I will have so many regrets if I don't apply, etc. etc. Basically, I made her feel guilty, haha. She still keeps on talking about how if I were to go there I would call home and go, " MOM, it's too hot! I'm dying here!" (Because, I had told her that if I end up at my present safety i would hate it so much that I would call home every day crying and would end up transferring. Yep, I totally revved up the dramatic side of me! ;)) So she is definitely not a fan of the U of A but hey, at least now I can apply! I will have to work on my parents though to be more accepting of the U of A. I don't know how though :(. As of now they still think it's a bunch of baloney - my interest in the school. I don't know how to drill it into them that I love the school. It's not a passing interest. I've liked them every since sophomore year. These past days I've realized that actually I've been putting U of A as my #2 choice on my mental list of colleges... USC is still my first though! But the U of A has moved up ahead of UCSB and UCI, to my parent's dismay and shock. But I really like the school as of now, but I know a visit to the school would be in order. And, I would hope that I could visit the U of A along with my other top three choices in April to decide where to go (that would be the fabulous scenario.... happy sigh). I just wanted to say thank you girls, you guys are simply amazing and I'm so glad that I can count on you guys to just listen, give advice, etc.!! :D And, I'm gonna keep this thread going anyways to keep you guys updated on the whole app process. And probably to vent my worries away, LOL. Melissa, you sent me a PM? Hmm I will have to check into that. I'm so sorry, I haven't yet noticed one but I'll tell you later if I see it or not! Thanks, you're such a sweetie! :) And I wuld love to hear your story if you don't mind! Maria, thanks SO much :) :). You are so nice and generous and I would love to meet you one day :)!! Thank you so much for offering, I can't say how honored I feel that you posted that!! :) CA theta, hi! I'm sure the UA Thetas are great. My best friend is a Theta and all her chapter sisters are awesome too. I do like Kappa Alpha Theta a ton! Thanks for your post!! Oh, btw everyone...I wont' be able to come onto GCanymore until Wednesday...Monday, Tues, and Wed. are my hardest finals, grr. But after that, I'll be so happy b/c it's senioritis time!! hahahaha :D. PS Sorry if some of what i typed didn't make sense, it's late and my brain's feeling very wired from studying from most of the day! |
I'm so glad that your mom finally loosen up a little. Maybe you can make a deal with your parents....like you'll give U of A a year and if you're miserable after the year,you'll transfer back home or something along those lines. But from what I've read, it sounds like you'll be extremly happy at U of A. Your excitiment about U of A is starting to rub off on me LOL! Just reading about how excitied you are about U of A, is making wanna apply there for grad school :D
I look forward to hearing how everything is going for you. I'm glad your parents are giving you a chance to see what happens. There's nothing worse then wondering what if......? Good luck on your finals. You sound like such a sweetie and I will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts |
YAY! U of A! Go Wildcats! (Is there a KD chapter there? ;))
Just wanted to let you all know that I'll be cutting down. I go across the Atlantic tomorrow, so this will probably be my last regular GC check. Good luck with the college thing, newbie! |
Wonderful!
Hey Newbie! I am so glad that things are finally starting to work out for you. You seem like a very rad girl. In previous posts, you asked for college rankings to show your parents, etc. That got me thinking ... have you ever checked out the Yale Daily News guide for colleges? Very honest, unbiased, tell-it-like-you-see-it book, with reviews of the schools by the students themselves. That might not help you convince your parents, but that might also let you compare the colleges that you’re interested in, and sort out your feelings. Just one of my random thoughts!:)
Also, the rush stories got me thinking ... I think it would be wonderful if you could post journal-like entries in this thread regarding how your senior year is shaping up, if you're excited/frightened about college, etc. ... I think the selfish side of me is hoping for more stories like rush! lol. It would be interesting to read about your feelings and anxieties during this confusing time. Anybody else wanna see stories?:) He he he ... I hope that isn't asking too much of you, Newbie. Just thought you were a cool girl and would love to read more about this whole college-decision thang! Good luck! We're behind you, every step of the way ... |
My "diary" entry
Prospectiverushee, AlphaChiGirl, and CA Theta, I apologize for not responding earlier!
CA theta, sure, I wouldn't mind starting a journal-type entry thingey. Here goes, just for you! LOL Sunday, January 20, 2002 Dear Diary, In the past few days, I've been increasingly thinking about how March is coming up fast, and how my destiny is about to be "defined" with those envelopes in the mail. I'm just so worried because there is a part of me that majorly doubts that I will be accepted into my top three choices. I also am obsessed with the University of Southern California and I know I will be heartbroken if I'm not accepted, or if I don't get enough financial aid to go. My parents keep on telling me not to get my hopes up because it is easier that way for my heart to get squashed. But I can't help it; I'm in love with the school. What's not to like about USC? Though the location and the $$$ leave little to be desired, every other aspect of the school is so appealing. I can imagine myself there, with the beautiful Romanesque brick buildings behind me and the football field in front of me. I love the USC songs of "Tribute to Troy" and "Fanfare" among others. They send shivers up my spine each time I listen to them. Okay, I better stop now before I get my hopes WAY too high and before I offend any of those UCLA alums/students! ;) People tell me all the time that in the long run, it won't matter which college I did or didn't get into. But to me, it matters so much, at least right now it does. I worry that if I don't get accepted, my parents will remind themselves that I am their failure. I've already "failed" them so many times already, by goofing off/partying way too much sophomore and freshman years, by quitting piano (in Asian-American world, piano is God), by being a rebel. College rejections would just add to that list. I know that in the back of my mind, I will also berate myself for being a failure. I know that college decisions shouldn't determine my self-worth, but in my mind, they sorta do. I went to a family dinner a few days ago and my relatives kept on saying how they hope I go to a prestigious university. They made it clear that it would be shameful to not get into a prestigious university. People say that if I don't get into my top choices, I could just go to a JC and transfer. But for some reason, that route just doesn't appeal to me at all. I guess I would be ashamed to take that route (and I'm ashamed to write this in this public forum), just because I would feel "incapable" myself and I would also embarrass my family, where it's "prestigious four-year university or bust." For some reason, my pride would make me go to even my safety school (the one that I hate) rather than go to a JC and transfer after two years. I guess I am being too stubborn... I have been logging onto review.com a lot these past few days and have been reading up on my favorite choices. I just pray that my hopes won't be dashed come March/April. CA theta, yes, I am so excited about going to college. It is something that I've wanted to do for years. Last year, actually, I had senioritis in March - as a junior! I had friends that were seniors and were so excited about going to college and leaving our old high school behind. I was so jealous and wanted to go to college along with them...as college seems to be the best four years of one's life. Going to my high school has left me more jaded than when I came in as a bright-eyed freshman. I can't wait to go to college and find the variety that my daily high school life seems to lack. Of course, I can't wait to rush and hopefully join a sorority. I've wanted to join a sorority since I was little. The sisterhood and family aspect appeal so much, because I know that college will also be a confusing time, especially since I will be in a totally different environment. For some reason, I don't feel much like a senior. I know I am, but I just don't feel it. Going into this year, I thought that senior year was a time for plain fun and nothing but memories. Instead, I find myself constantly worried and wondering which direction I will be headed next year. I feel like I have matured a lot (which is good), but that I have lost some of the optimism and vitality that people always knew me by. Oh well, second semester is just a few days away (thank God), so I'm sure the fun will come rolling in! ;) Hope I haven't bored you guys to tears! Sorry that my "story" seems to lack transition... Until next time, Newbie |
I officially HATE my parents ...
I HATE THEM. I swear.
So now they tell me I can't fuckin apply to the U of A!!!! I'm so mad right now I can't even think. Basically they say they don't give a shit about my happiness as long as I go to a premier school. They want me to go to the damn safety school I hate. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Tell me Lord, why did I get stuck with these people???????????????????????? It hurts, really does. They were laughing at the thought of me going to the Uof A, laughing because they said that I only care about sports. WTF are they thinking?????? |
Car, could you just apply on your own and pay the application fee out of your pocket? If you don't have it, I'm sure we could start a "newbie application fund." (Sorry...poor attempt at humor to try to make you smile, because I know you're upset.)
I know that it is tough to stand up to your parents...but ultimately it is YOUR decision to make. That is what student loans and scholarships are for. :) |
Quote:
They are treating me like some prisoner who's dumb and is only going to college for "sports" ... My parents are so f-ing materialistic and only care about money and that is just so f-ed up. They laughed and said who cares if you're not happy haha at least you won't be going to a no-name school. I can't wait to get the hell outta this place because as of now I don't want to see either face again!!! |
Sometimes
Sometimes you should be careful what you ask for. I didn't get along too well with my parents either but somehow now I do. And I think you'll realize this at some point. And just food for thought, maybe your parents are thinking about something you aren't thinking about right now...maybe they know something you don't. I wouldn't dare insult you, but just question their intentions. I go to a school which is really hard to get into - at the time, I wanted to go to a school that was comparatively just as "elite" yet more fun, but my parents pushed me towards the school I'm at now. And I appreciate it fully. I'm not on this board too often so I can't always read people's messages, but if you need advice on colleges and all that, I'll try and help - I applied to 25 :)
-The infamous Rudey Quote:
|
CAR!
I am SO PISSED at your parents for treating you this way! I can't believe the short-sightedness at play here. Its YOUR LIFE and YOU have to live it. DO NOT give up my dear! Remain positive and PLEASE get a counselor from school involved! Amy |
Go to what school you want. If you are forced to go to a certain school go to it. Then while your are there research the other school and look for ways to transfer there.
|
My sister sucks too
My sister was no frickin help too.
Basically I have NO SHOT at going to the UA anymore. My sister thought it was ridiculous that I wanted to go (after USC and possibly UCSB of course). She was my parent's ally. She was my last hope to convince my parents. But she basically thought the whole idea was really dumb. MY FAMILY SUCKS. They are calling me "crazy" and misleaded and shallow and every other mean adjective they can think of. I'm so different from the rest of my family that I think I should have been adopted or something! :rolleyes: |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:20 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.