My future!

[Gaming Goddess]

So, my dear AA, I've reached a point in my life where it's time for me to move out of my family home, and go into higher education.
I've been accepted into two universities for visual arts; York University in (or close enough to) Toronto, and the University of Ottawa, in, well, Ottawa.

Now, in my head I have some things to work out about my final choice, and since I've never made a decision by myself before, why stop now?
I will weight the pros and cons of both universities, and I would really appreciate some insight.

York University

Pros
-Only about an hour away from my current residence (Aka, closer to my mommy)
-I know the art program is decent
-I know people who go there
-I'm kinda familiar with the campus
-They're offering me a $4000 dollar scholarship over 4 years.

Cons
-The art program is larger, about 150 students, which means less student professor time
-If I let my average slip first year, I lose my scholarship permanently
-The dorms don't seem that great, and I would have to buy a meal plan, so I can't regulate what I eat as well



Ottawa University

Pros
-Only about 50 students in the art program
-The university is close to Canada's national art gallery
-I'm fairly certain they'll be offering me a scholarship too, and I think I can renew it if I don't do so well first year, but improve second.
-The dorm system seems better, and I wouldn't need to by a meal plan
- I sort of feel if I don't go to Ottawa, I'll regret it.
-It would force me to be even more independent.

Cons
-It's like a good 4 hours away from home
-I only know 2 people who go there
-I'm not exactly sure how good the art program is
-It's cold there.



I'm terrified of this, to be honest.

[Tailtiu]

I'm in college right now, and I can tell you the being closer to home is nice. Meal plans, depending on the school, are...well...however many dorms there are and the number of "cafeterias" are in the dorms. The Ottawa college sounds like a really good school though. The 4 hours could be bad if you plan on going home often, but if you aren't it sounds like it's a good fit for. The only sticking point would be the lack of scholarship, if they won't give you on.

Hope this helps.

[Athos]

One of the things I hear many people tell me is how depressed they get when they go to a university because they don't really know anyone, so if you know more people there, I'd go there. And even though you may not have the most professor to student time, all it takes is at least 5 minutes of your time to ask an interesting question, or comment. I was very shy in my first year at a junior college. But when I talked about something like Marbury v. Madison and stare decisis my professor immediately remembered who I was, and always introduces me into the class as an 'encyclopedia.' Nyx is right too, it's better to be close to home. Also, if one has colder weather, consider how more (or not) often you get sick....What's the point if you're always miserable with a cold? (After all, vodka and whiskey can only go so far).

[Gaming Goddess]

Nyx: I know Ottawa will offer me a scholarship, they hand them out like candy. Distance is the only thing I'll really have a problem with (I was wrong, it's more like 5 hours driving, longer by train)

Athos: The problem with knowing a few people there is this; none of them would be in my program. And they'll all be a year above me too, so I'd still have to make friends. With Ottawa, the student body being smaller, it would force people into friendships, I like that. Forced friends, ftw.
And fun fact, the cold doesn't actually cause colds!

Thanks for the insights, guys. =]

[Dretlin]

Ottawa - you will make many many more friends, if that is your primary concern. Ultimately, it appears you are confident you will get a higher quality education there.

[scorpionwarrior]

Hard decision.. You should choose the one that makes you happiest, that way you have no regrets plus if you choose one and you're not happy there it can impact on your studies.

I do however think that Ottawa would be the better choice as a source of inspiration for your works is close by (being the gallery of course) and it would probably benefit your career choice better.

[SASSZAIN]

Ottawa - you will make many many more friends, if that is your primary concern. Ultimately, it appears you are confident you will get a higher quality education there.

I second this, as well as present more~

I may make some assumptions, and generalizations, but my reasoning is still very valid for your sitch, cause, I said so. YEAH I DID.
kay, here goes *deep breath*

Ottawa would be the better choice not only because of new friends, and the better time with the professors, but also because it is so far away from home. Being so close to home has the potential to have you.. how to put it.. still be a kid, and not have to grow up. Lets face it, You're going to be learning to grow up, and being too close to home wont help that D: Seeing as the distance is your primary concern:

Nyx: I know Ottawa will offer me a scholarship, they hand them out like candy. Distance is the only thing I'll really have a problem with (I was wrong, it's more like 5 hours driving, longer by train)
Thanks for the insights, guys. =]

I can understand the need for a support system. Most definitely, I can understand XD That is what friends are for~ Not only the good friends you have now(either irl or us, cause we luv you bunches too~ ). If you really need to get back home, 4-5 hours isn't that big of a deal on the weekend. If you take the train, you can study on the way home.

Main thing I have to add, is that I see the distance as one of the best parts of Ottawa. As for the curriculum, if it isn't to your standards, no worries. Great thing about college is you're not stuck with just one option, once you're out there and in the systems, you can make calls, talk to people, and get transferred. Maybe not this year, maybe not next, But when you're ready to, and when its time, You'll be able to get the education you want.

Kay, I'm done ranting.. now to fix all my typos

[Gaming Goddess]

Ottawa does seem to be the general consensus. And yeah, it will provide me with more of what I need, more new social interaction, an introduction to more styles through the gallery, and it will force me to start being more independent. While the independence thing isn't at all what I want, it's definitely what I need. I've been far to reliant on my mom for 18 years, that was a mistake, I guess Ottawa would be a way of making up for that. And I will still have friends, you're right Zain.

I know for the first little while of being there, I'm going to fall apart, but when that time comes it'll be for a good reason, and I'll recover just like I always do. And plus, angst is great for art! YEAH!

It's about time I grew up.



I still have a month to really think this through anyway... expect a month of stressing from me. =D

[Dretlin]

Regardless, I wish you all the best GG. Adult life starts in a month! (I suppose!)

[Gaming Goddess]

Regardless, I wish you all the best GG. Adult life starts in a month! (I suppose!)

Well, it starts more in August, but.. well, it really should start in a month. xD

Thanks Dret



PS, The other school I applied to (Full of pretenious artists, and I thought that before, during, and after I applied there) turned me down.

PPS Ottawa is offering me a $8000 dollar scholarship over 4 years. Double what York is.

[Hardcore]

Hm.. You seem to be happier at York, so go there IMO.

[Tailtiu]

The scholarship from Ottowa would, imo, seal the deal.

Remember- if you don't really like Ottowa, you can always transfer too.

[Mai]

You're 50/50 chance, dollface. Pick the one that suites your ambitious self and goals. Shoot high, and get high like a frickin kite School is about getting what you want in life squared away. While social atmosphere can be an integral component, we all know that the main focus is the education at hand. But I can see the need for the human interaction. LEAVE THE SOCIAL WORLD AND WE CAN BE FIRENDS FOREVER ON HERE. Heh.


Dont settle for less than your brain deserves. Feed that nerdy self, c'mon. Just sayin.

Acknowledging the entire picture is weighing pros and cons; as you've done. Enjoying the scenery of making a choice is the hardest part. You'll know where you want to be when you get there. Until that point just keep the strongest goal at hand most apparent and you wont lead yourself astray.

...

Wheres my coffee? e.e

[Athos]

Either way...Doesn't matter where you get a degree from. So long as you have one and able to do what you can with it. That's why I never push myself hard in school >_>

[Mik3]

Ottowa seems like the best choice since you're serious about higher learning. Especially is you are going to get a scholarship, better dorm situation, and not have to pay for a meal plan. The only con being you wouldn't know many people, but life usually is about going off and meeting new people. I love the hell out of my hometown and friends but Im going to leave too because Ive seen philly already

[SASSZAIN]

Either way...Doesn't matter where you get a degree from. So long as you have one and able to do what you can with it. That's why I never push myself hard in school >_>

slacker isnt the reason?
School is important, but being happy is more important~