High school kids have a ton of pressure today. At the ripe old age of 18, not only are they supposed to be well-rounded experts of everything, but they are also supposed to know what they are going to do with the rest of their lives. Think about it, if you had to live with the decisions you were making at 18 years old, how would your life look today? That is a lot of pressure on people that aren’t old enough to drink legally, and generally still rely on mom and dad. Your junior and senior year are wildly overwhelming, and it is tough for kids these days. Choosing where to go to college is a big decision. Do you stay in state? Do you venture out on your own? Do you stay with your friends? Or do you leave and never look back? It is a scary decision, but you have options. Kansas City, Missouri has a ton of options when it comes to college. There are big public universities, small private universities, and even community colleges.
The University of Missouri at Kansas City is the perfect choice if you are looking for a big public school. With more than 15,000 students, you could say it’s a big school. Their mascot is a kangaroo, and their colors are gold and royal blue. The diverse population of UMKC and the large population means that there is always something to do, and there is always someone new to meet. Most people that attend large universities will rant and rave about their experiences, and if this is something you are interested in, UMKC is the place for you.
If a small private school is more your speed, Rockhurst University might be right for you. It has a population of 3,000 students, and a closely held religious affiliation, this liberal arts school is perfect for anyone looking for a private education. When students are attending Rockhurst, not only are they expected to excel academically, but they are also expected to serve the community. When students graduate, they are given one transcript for their academic career, and one for their service activities.
And then for the students that are looking for a community college that is close to home, Metropolitan Community College is always an option. It gives you everything you could want from a community college. A quality education that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to pay for, small personal classes that encourage discussion, and there are locations throughout Kansas City, so getting to school isn’t a hassle.
In a time where going to college is almost a necessity, don’t let intimidating high school scare you. College is accessible, and you can make it happen. Whether you want a big school, a small school, or even a community college, moving to Kansas City for college is a smart move (literally)--and there is a school for you!