Do What My Parents Want, Or What I Want?
Dealing with your parents pressuring you into going to a college that you don’t want to go to can be a difficult situation to navigate. It can be hard to make your voice heard and stand up for yourself, especially when your parents have their own opinions and expectations for you. The first step in dealing with this situation is to be honest and open with your parents. It can be hard to have a difficult conversation like this, but it is important to be direct and clear about how you feel. Explain the reasons why you don’t want to go to the college they are suggesting, and why you want to pursue the college you want to go to instead. Make sure to listen to their concerns and explain why you still feel strongly about the college you’re interested in. Another important step is to be open to compromise. You can try to come to an agreement that works for both of you. For example, you could suggest that you visit the college your parents are suggesting to see if it is a good fit for you, or talk to them about taking a gap year before attending college to explore different options. It is also important to be respectful of your parents’ opinions. While you do not have to agree with them, it is important to be respectful of their views and try to understand their perspective. Acknowledge their concerns and be willing to listen to their advice. Finally, it is important to remember that this is your life and your decision. Your parents may have their own expectations and opinions, but ultimately, the choice of where to attend college should be yours to make. You should have the final say and be confident in your decision. If you feel strongly about the college you want to attend, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and make sure your voice is heard. Dealing with your parents pressuring you into a college that you don’t want to go to can be a difficult situation, but it is important to remember that it is your life and your decision. Be honest and open with your parents and be open to compromise, while still maintaining respect for their opinions. Ultimately, you should have the final say and be confident in your decision.
For another perspective, we asked Judge Josh at Outlaw Student the same question — here’s what he said: https://www.outlawstudent.com/2010/12/ivy-league-parents/