I'm graduating in 2013, and I think I want to go away to college and be in a dorm. I'm not happy in this house at all, my family just likes to insult me or put me down whenever they can. I'm not trying to sound like another poor whiny teenager, but I really hate living in my house and I'm not happy with my life right now. There's too many arguments going on around me, almost everyone in my family argues with each other. I'll be 18 in November and the college I want to go to next year is only 2 & a half hours away from me, it's not that far. For once, I want to do something that makes me happy and I think going away to college, meeting new people, and getting a fresh start would make me happy. Should I go away to college or just try to suck it up? I haven't told anyone in my family about me leaving for college, I'm afraid to. I don't know if they'll be mad, upset, try to get me to change my mind or fine with it. But I need to escape all this negativity.

You want to look ahead and go forward with your life, not leave as running away from family and problems.

Why not go farther away than 2.5 hours? Why that one?

Why not 12 hours away? Have you investigated colleges at all?

First you have to apply for colleges and be accepted. You also don't talk about what your parents can afford.

Now is the time you need to start applying, if it isn't past time. So get your applications out and present your choices to your parents. You should choose a local backup or two.

Yes, Wondergirl. I have spent a lot of time researching colleges. Why go 12 hours away when the college that has the major I want is only 2 & a half hours away? I know a few people who go to the university that I want to attend, and they all say it's a nice school. I checked the classes required for the computer science degree(my major) and the classes seem fine. So that's why I picked the college that's 2 & a half hours away.

ScottGem, it's definitely not past time. My senior year just started, and the college application deadline is in November. I do plan on applying to back up schools; community college and another college that is a half hour away. I know my dad can afford it because my sister is at a private college which is more expensive than any colleges I am considering, and she commutes back and forth. Sorry about not including this in original post.

If you aren't getting along with your family, why are you staying so close to home? Then your family will want you to come home on weekends and holidays and all summer. There are many colleges farther away with good computer programs.

I know that. I just have a good feeling about this college. I think it's a pretty good distance from home. I think it's unnecessary to go to a college that's 10 hours away, just cause it's far, far away from family. Farther doesn't mean better. If they want me to come home every weekend, I'll just refuse.

If your parents know you are going to college, why are you afraid to tell them where you want to go?
Go to them with some good choices and apply. And since they will be paying for school you can't be refusing to do anything. Stand up, get prepared and show them you are responsible.