Brendan Matarese Explains Some of The Pros and Cons of Going Away For College

Are you thinking about going away to college? If so, you're not alone. A growing number of students choose to attend colleges and universities outside of their home states. There are many pros and cons to consider when making this decision. In this article, Brendan Matarese will discuss some of the key factors you need to consider before making your final decision.

Pro - Many New Experiences

One of the biggest advantages of going away to college is that you will have the opportunity to experience many new things. You will meet new people, learn about new cultures, and explore new ideas. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about who you are and what you want in life. It can also be a great way to broaden your horizons and learn more about the world around you.

Con - Difficulty Adjusting

One of the main disadvantages of going away to college is that it can be difficult to adjust to your new surroundings. Living in a new environment can be overwhelming if you're not prepared for it. There will be new people, new rules, and new expectations. It can take some time to get used to your new surroundings and feel comfortable in them.

It's important to research your potential colleges carefully and make sure you're comfortable with the campus and surrounding community before making your final decision, says Brendan Matarese.

Pro - Meet New People from Many Different Backgrounds and Cultures

Another big advantage of going away to college is that you will have the opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds. You'll get to know students from all over the country, and maybe even from around the world. This can be a great opportunity to learn about new cultures and make lifelong friends.

Meeting new people can be one of the best parts of college, but it can also be one of the most challenging. It cannot be easy to find your place in a new community and make friends. But if you're open to it, there are many opportunities to meet new people and make lasting connections.

Con - Finding Your Community May Take Time

It's no secret that not everything taught in school is something that you personally will identify with or will use in your career or personal life. Similarly meeting a group of people you connect with can take some time. This is true whether you are going to a local school or out of state. Even though it seems that you should have common interests or a connection tied to the place, or hobbies, it is always a mixed bag. That is why taking different courses, going to school events and going to parties with roommates, hall mates, people taking a certain class etc. is the best way to find commonality and the ability to relate.

When it comes to choosing electives, it's important to do your research and talk to other students before enrolling in any classes, says Brendan Matarese. You don't want to take what sounds like an interesting class and then be disappointed because the curriculum focuses more on say research rather than tactically applying yourself to the topic. You never know what class might be something that can further your goals or change them! Do your research ahead of time and talk to your academic advisor about which courses are most relevant for your degree program. That said, don’t be so focused on ticking off boxes that you forget to look at something new.

Pro - Gain Valuable Life Skills

One of the best things about going away to college is that you will have the opportunity to gain valuable life skills. You'll learn how to manage your time, budget your money, and live on your own. These are all important skills that will help you in your career and personal life. These skills are all invaluable when you enter the workforce after graduation.

Con - It's Hard to Know if You Choose the Right School Before Going

Choosing a college or university is a big decision, and it's one that you need to take seriously. If you choose to go away for school, it can be not easy to know if you've made the right choice until you get there. This is because you can't know what the school is like until you're actually on campus.

It's important to do your research before making your decision. Talk to current students, alumni, and your family and friends. Get as much information as you can before making your final decision. Make sure you do your research and visit each campus before making your final decision.

Pro - Get a Degree

One of the most important advantages of going away to college is earning a degree. This credential can open doors for you in the workforce and help you pursue your chosen career. A college degree is an investment in your future, and it will pay off in the long run. If you're dedicated to your studies, going away to college can be a great investment in your future.

Con - It's Expensive So Know Why You Are Going

One of the biggest challenges in going away to college is that it is extremely expensive. The cost of tuition, room, board, and other expenses can add up quickly. If you're not careful, you can easily find yourself in debt. Many students need to take out loans to attend college and in doing so, sit down to thoughtfully weigh your ability to repay those loans. College is a big investment, and it's important to make sure you have some direction and a career plan before deciding that it is a good investment for you. Consider attending a local community college before going to a large university to save some money. In addition, taking AP classes or CLEP tests can help you test out of lower-level courses so that you can jump into more advanced work sooner and potentially accumulate credits before you even start. Furthermore, consider auditing classes for things you are interested in but want to test out first to see if they are a fit. There are also scholarships and opportunities to work with the financial aid offices to reduce the overall bill. Sticking to your budget is personal and you should make sure that you are comfortable taking on debt, or that you can work out a plan to take college at your pace, so that it is affordable.

Going Away To College

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to attending college away from home. It is important to weigh all the options carefully before making a decision, says Brendan Matarese. If you decide that going away for college is the right choice for you, be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities available to you and make the most of your experience.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes