Should you stay or should you go?

Caroline

When faced with the choice to go far away to school, or stick closer to home, which would you choose?

My stepdaughter was recently faced with this question when she got into two different grad schools. One school was two states away, the other, here in Iowa. 

It can be a tough call — on the one hand, moving away is an adventure, a chance to spread your wings and experience new things. On the other hand, sometimes staying closer to home is more practical from a financial standpoint , and there's something to be said for being near family and friends.

It can be an emotional decision, but try not to make it based solely on emotions. Sit down with a clear head and write a pro and con list for each school. Consider some of the following questions when making your lists.

For the far-away school:

• Have you ever visited the school/city/state? Did you like it?
• Does the school offer the academic and social atmosphere you're looking for?
• Do you know anyone nearby who could help in an emergency?
• How often will you want to return home, and what will the cost of transportation be?

For the nearby school:

• Have you had the opportunity to visit/live in new place before? Do you foresee having the chance to do so in the future?

• Does the school offer the academic and social atmosphere you're looking for?
• Would you be tempted to spend most of your time back in your hometown, or with your old friends? Or would you make an effort to branch out and meet new people? 

Ultimately my stepdaughter weighed her options carefully, and chose the school close to home. She was impressed with the program and the campus at the school she chose. And she's excited about the prospect of being near her friends and family. (So are we!)

Have you had to make a similar choice? What influenced your decision the most?