[jklein11]

I certainly understand where you are coming from. Putting yourself in an environment where you might feel ostracized for your beliefs sounds hostile.

I do think, however, that having a conversation with someone who beliefs are fundamentally counter to yours are tremendously valuable. It might help you empathize with their position, help you better understand your own, or at the very least make it easier to work with people who's backgrounds are different from your own.

Stepping into an environment that you won't feel at home in may be an excellent place for you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow.

I can't remember who said this, but a thought that resonated the most with me about college is that it is the time and place for making your brain the most interesting place to live for the rest of your life.

Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours, and college won't make you or break you. I can say that they were likely the most valuable 4 years of my life so far.

[veddox]

Oh, I absolutely agree with you! I'm heading for a career in academia right now, and I love university!

But coming from a similarly conservative background, I wanted to help you understand why some are rather wary of colleges. In my experience, it's by far not as bad as they fear - but you do have to get used to hearing people in your surrounding deride and insult your beliefs and values on a more or less regular basis.