Best Independent College Counselors Summary

Opinions on College Choices

• William & Mary:

  • Offers full rides and research grants.
  • Considered prestigious with high rankings among universities.
  • Value seen in financial freedom from no debt.
  • Parents' misinformed opinions on status compared to UVA.

• University of Virginia (UVA):

  • Considered almost as prestigious as W&M.

• Trade Schools:

  • Offers faster earning potential and less debt.
  • Practical skills like HVAC, plumbing, or electrician are recommended.

Family Dynamics

• Parental Behavior:

  • Parental support for a bully over their child is disheartening.
  • Parental actions have damaged relationships irreparably.
  • Suggestions for potential parental remorse through counseling.
  • Mother's manipulative and self-serving behavior noted.
  • Father's lack of support highlighted.

• Relationship Dynamics:

  • Concerns about future bullying and parental behavior.
  • Advised to live with friends or family to avoid parents' influence.
  • Therapist and school counselor praised for understanding and intervention.
  • Future estrangement from parents considered.

General Advice

• Education Choices:

  • Counselors' approval of choices due to full ride scholarships.
  • Encouragement to focus on personal well-being and future goals.
  • Importance of internships and grades over school prestige.
  • Employment prospects prioritized despite college choice.

• Parental Influence:

  • Criticism of parents for prioritizing appearances and control.
  • Chosen college affecting future debt and financial independence.
  • Parental ultimatums with potential disinheritance deemed unreasonable.

• General Advice:

  • Indifference and damage from parental actions noted.
  • Potential effects of a liberal education and past experiences considered.
  • Embrace changes and future opportunities after reflecting on past experiences.

Emotional Responses

• Parental Betrayal:
  • Viewed as a betrayal for prioritizing a bully over their child.
  • Criticized for unethical behavior and poor parenting skills.
  • Concerns raised about parents' emotional manipulation and lack of empathy.
  • Disbelief and disappointment in parents' actions and motivations.
  • Emotional impact on OP from parents' decisions highlighted.

In conclusion, the Reddit comments strongly support the decision to choose William & Mary due to financial benefits and better fit. They condemn the parents' behavior, especially the mother's choice of the bully over their child, and emphasize the importance of personal well-being, independence, and long-term goals. Professional guidance, emotional support, and future planning are encouraged for OP's journey ahead.