Ya'll got me rolling
I do sound like an insane toxic SDN-er on second look but hey if you can't beat them, join them.
I do understand that I'm an adult, and I can make my own decisions. But sometimes I have to prioritize family over my own individual needs and values. My mom gave up her career so she can raise me well and make sure I got to school and had all the resources I needed. Of course I would want to at least return that favor to her, to show her that her efforts have not gone unseen, and to her that would be if I tried my best to get into the expensive af school.
Saying no to that wouldn't simply be me asserting myself as an individual. It would basically rupture the dynamic where my parents provide for me so I can become successful, and I take every opportunity to be successful (in my mom's eyes, this means grabbing prestige).
Plus, my mother has once not talked to me for two months because I didn't do something she asked. I need to keep things at least congenial if I need someone to rely on in case I default on those massive dental student loans or something in the future. I also still live with my parents, and having that kind of toxic atmosphere during quarantine would absolutely not help out with my mental health at all.
I am leaning towards turning down the interview but I just wanted to know if that was my only action anyways, so I could better explain it to her.