Should parent dictate where should I go?

I'm a HS senior studying in Puerto Rico. My parents want me to study in the states. But I'm more inclined in studying here because I can get scholarship whereas in the states I may not be able to afford it and hence end up in debt( maybe about 20,000 a year). I'm so frustrated because my parent are so pushy(typical of most Asian parents). By the way, I want to study Biology which there is a great here. Should parent dictate where should I go?
This is tricky. I would say, no parents should decide where a child goes to college. However, if they are paying any part of the bill they should have some say.





That said, I can see why your parents are pushing you to go to the states. Depending on the school, it may open more opportunities for you. Degrees from Puerto Rico, no matter how good you believe their programs are, may not compete with degrees from the states. There is this idea of an education in the states - Odd, but true. Where do you want to live and work? If, eventually, you would like to move from PR, than it will be more difficult for you to get a job outside of PR. Sometimes a free or cheap degree isn't the best option. Your parents might be worried about your future. How will that degree impact you in the long run? Some will say that it doesn't matter where you get your degree from, but some scholarly studies have shown that your school or type of school (Ivy, Public Ivy, Private, Lib. Arts, etc) does have a significant impact on your salary and career.





That said, you could also go ahead with the local school for a few years and then transfer to a US based college in your junior year. Or you can apply for your masters degree at a US based college and that will have the same impact as going to a US school for 4 years. Should parent dictate where should I go?
There are many concerns here, and you are wise to be thinking them through. If you stay in Puerto Rico, you will be happy, but it is possible that your parents will not, and that they will not ever let the matter drop. You must ask yourself whether they will become used to the idea, if you decide to stay, and, if not, will you be able to handle their reactions and possible nagging. You didn't say whether you have ever discussed the money issue with them. Are they willing to help pay for some of the costs? In that case, it might be a valuable experience to take some time away from home, meet new people, and see life in a new perspective. If, however, they expect you to shoulder the entire cost, it might be time for a frank discussion about your concern over starting out your working life deeply in debt. If there is room for a compromise, such as starting out studying in Puerto Rico, then transferring later, you might look into that choice also.
Of course they shouldn't dictate where you go. You'll be an adult. It's completely up to you; after all, you're the one that will have to live with the consequences, whether positive or negative, of where you go to college.





Of course it's difficult when your parents are pushy, but just stand your ground and make it clear that you will be the one to make that choice. Sooner or later you're going to have to take control of your own life, so why not make it now?

moisturizing cream