You’re going on an adventure! Why leaving the bubble is a great idea

When you’re applying to schools, you might notice that there are some “typical” places people from your high school attend. They might be the state schools, or the “best” schools that are close by. They might be a big party school not too far off.

And some people love the idea of going off to College with their best friends. There’s security. You don’t need to worry about losing touch, or not having friends at school. You know plenty of people who are older and can guide you through it.

But going outside of the bubble has its advantages too.

When you leave the bubble, you get a truly clean slate. While this is less of a concern for many, it’s nice to be able to start without any preconceived notions. You can be friends with people without having to worry about them remembering the time you pushed them at recess in second grade. You can date whomever you want, because you don’t have to worry about who’s ex you might be crushing on.
You can meet people who didn’t see you all throughout your incredible awkward phase.

Being in a new place, without any real history, can help you grow. You are doing what you want without any preconceived notions as to who you are. And that’s great.

While I’d say that it’s hard to truly reinvent yourself, because at some level you are who you are, you can shake off some of the old stigmas attached to you.

Additionally, it’s great to be exposed to people from all walks of life.

If you’re a life-long private school kid, you may have never had friends outside of your socioeconomic group before. Geographic diversity is another really cool thing that you might provide if you go far enough outside the bubble.

For example: I took a class this semester called “Adolescent Seminar” which was all about development and research on teenagers. One of the big topics that came up, and best debates we had, was about sexual education.
Coming from a super liberal high school in a super liberal state, I had never heard any of the “Abstinence Only” education tactics before. But my classmates, by and large, had only learned about abstinence in High School sex-ed. It was really interesting to see everyone’s different backgrounds, and what people from different places were taught.

Another thing about going outside of the bubble is that it’s going to teach you some skills you might not have learned otherwise. One week into freshman year my school was evacuated for Hurricane Irene and I spent a week at my roommate’s house because it was too far for me to travel home. That week taught me a lot of things.
Or simple things like having to pack myself up at the end of the year. Or that when I get sick it is really up to me to do what I have to do. If my parent’s were a short car-ride away it wouldn’t be that easy.

All in all, I really recommend at least looking at some schools outside of your bubble. The clean slate and independence are really nice, and a great catalyst for real growth.