Q. I love the college my brother goes to, and I can't imagine going anywhere else. My parents like the school too, but they say I should consider other possibilities. Is there anything wrong with only thinking about one college?
A. Not necessarily. There are families for whom one college becomes the "family tradition," and it's a good thing for all of them. Then there are families for whom the healthiest approach is for each member to find the place that best "fits" him or her. Either approach can be an enriching experience.
It's great that your brother's college is so appealing to you. However, before you register for classes, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. Would you be living in your brother's shadow? Is he excited about having his younger sibling at "his" college? Would you someday wonder if another school might have been better? And let's say you're simply not able to get into your brother's college. Will you be left without a backup plan?
As you think about these questions, be as honest with yourself as you can. Your brother's college may seem appealing because it's familiar to you. Or it really might be the right place for you. Whatever the case, you want to be sure you're choosing the college that will best help you grow into the person God wants you to be.
It won't hurt to explore a few other possibilities. Your search may just confirm that your brother's college would be a great school for you. Or you may discover an even better option. It sounds like your family wants you to be happy and thrive in college. And I'm sure that's what you want, too.
Written by Judy Moseman
