Parental Opinions

[imean]

My parents are planning on paying for my graduate school, but we disagree on schools. I told them that if they are going to help me but pressure me into certain schools, that I would rather them not help me out. I understand that it would be better to have no debt whatsoever, since I don't have any from undergrad, but I also want to be independent from them at some point. I will value and hear their opinions, but is it unreasonable for me to be upset that they think the decision is theirs? Or should I just compromise and go to whatever school they like most in order to avoid debt? Thanks for your opinions!

[socialpsychg]

I've told my parents that I have a better understanding of the field and career trajectories than them, and they've (mostly) deferred to my decisions (although they still push me to go to school closer to home). Have you tried that argument?

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

I would say unless they're counselors, they probably don't know the field and which school is best for your future. While it would be great to have no loans, you don't even have any from undergrad, so I have a feeling they would be manageable in the long run.

I personally find it strange parents would even try to get their adult children to listen to them about schools, but money is involved so it makes things messy. Maybe evaluate each school again. Why is one your favorite? Why don't your parents like it?

[grammercie]

If the money comes with strings, cut the strings. You're going to have enough people advising you, telling you what you must and cannot do, and exerting pressure of one kind or another (heck we even push each other on this forum ).

Explore your options with the financial aid folks, make a plan for what to do if the 'rents cut you off (which is always a possibility), and then let your parents know calmly where you are going to school.

Good luck!