Paying for college (really worried)...?
813933
Going to college was one of the best things I've ever done with my life.  Besides learning valuable skills, study habits and general advanced knowledge, having a degree shows future employers that you are able to stick with something and complete the goals you have in life.  Congratulations on your decision to go to college!  Paying for college can seem daunting, but thousands of people have done it.  It's good that you're planning for this now, rather than waiting till the summer before you start classes in the fall.  I was able to complete my education without taking out loans, and though it was really hard, it was worth it after I graduated.  \n\nYou have several options to explore right now.  Talk now to the financial aid/scholarship departments at both of the colleges you are thinking about attending.  Lots of colleges have scholarship opportunities for their students, and its sometimes surprising how easy it is to get a scholarship.  You will probably be expected to write several essays, fill out tons of paperwork and/or be expected to major in a certain degree.  The college I went to even had scholarships for some of the students based on who their ancestors were...  You never know what you'll qualify for.  Because you're looking into this now, you'll have some time to complete any prerequisites, if necessary, and get to know how the grant program works at your school. \nSecond, take (and ace!) the SAT and ACT exams.  Start now by buying some books to prepare for these tests.  A lot of colleges will give students full or partial tuition breaks based on their high scores for the SAT or ACT exams in an effort to "lure" higher achieving students to their schools.  Aside from helping you get IN to the college, a good score can get you national scholarships/recognition, even if your HS grades aren't 100% stellar.  Your diversified classes in HS now will additionally help you in this area.\nAlso, plan on having a part time job from now until you graduate from college.  Even if you're only making $200 a month right now, put most of it in savings and don't think about it.  Having a few years of work experience now will help you land a higher paying job once you start college, which can seriously help with living expenses.  If you already know what you'd like to major in, visit that department on campus and ask around for jobs with various professors.  Not only do on campus jobs tend to pay a tiny bit more, the professors are also a LOT more flexible to plan your schedule around attending classes.  If you can work three two-hour shifts per day, rather than one four-hour shift, those two hours can really add up at the end of the week.  \nAnother thing to think about is NOT having a summer job.  Sounds counter-productive...  Taking off a Fall or Winter semester will usually give you 4 months where you can work off-campus (and live cheaply at home, if necessary) full time and make some extra cash.  Tons of college students go home for the summer term and home cities capatalize on the extra, cheaper labor during these times.  When the students go back to school in the Fall, part of their labor force is lost and better paying jobs may become available again.  Also, colleges loose at least half, if not more, of their student body during the summer.  In an effort to keep you there, classes are usually cheaper from May-August, which will help keept tuition costs down.  \n\nFinally, even though your sister didn't qualify for loans, if you're comfortable with the idea of having student debt, still apply for them through the Federal Student Aid program (FAFSA).  They may only grant partial tuition, but when you're a poor college student, every little bit may help.  Not applying merely means you are 100% guaranteed to not get any money.  \n\nHope this helps!  Good luck and happy learning!
438661
Education costs are definitely going up and the field of postsecondary education is expanding.  Right now there is a big demand for the services it provides but not a huge supply, therefore tuitions do seem to be getting a little higher.  I went to a public institution in NYC and even the tutition there took a hike, this may have been due to the finanical hit the city took with 9/11.  \n\nMy advice, do good in school and apply for scholarships.  As for books, heck I didn't even buy most of mine, just borrowed them from the library and kept renewing throughout the semester.  After all, I don't need those books once the semester is over.  \n\nAlso, definitely check ebay before buying books at a bookstore.  All through my five years of undergrad I just kept buying at the bookstore and then I was playing around ebay trying to sell them back, and saw that the prices are unbelievably cheap on ebay.\n\nAlso, try www.bookboom.com for books, not all schools are listed, but those that are have people selling the books who attend the school.  That way you can just meet up on the campus and do an exchange w/out worrying about shipping costs.
949927
What is this for, College?\n\nIf so, I hope you are doing really well and can just get a full-ride scholarship to a college.
989081
Talk to the school. If you only have one month left, I'm sure they have answers for you. They get funding based on how many students graduate from their institution. If all else fails, ask your parents and pay them back! One month-don't give up now!
54668
There are waivers or grants that can help with or completely pay some admission fees. Check out options with the financial aid office at each school and it's time to submit the FAFSA! If you are a non-traditional student or low income you should have help available. Good Luck to you and Congratulations in taking the first step to higher learning!
898100
it seems like mom doesn't like the way you keep changing your mind - to go to school, not to go to school.  if she's paying the bill for college, she's probably afraid it's a waste of money.  why don't you talk to a college counselor and get some advice on what you you should major in.  it really does help if you get focused on what you would like to become.  it would also show your mom that you are very SERIOUS in what you are planning with your life; and, with or without her help, you will graduate college - and, if need be, get a part time job to prove to her that you mean business...and, the biggest part - REALLY MEAN IT!  Show her that you are mature enough and keep going to school, once you start, until you graduate.  then mom and you can look back on these days of undecided and laugh-knowing you made the right decision.  let me be the first to congratulate the college graduate (a little, premature, i know, but i bet you get there.)\n good luck!
1098104
Speak to the Dean, and explain your situation. A letter would also help explain how serious the situation is. Make a payment agreement with the school and stick to it, honor your word. Schools are there to help not hinder.
243889
Did you do the FAFSA form.  I am kind of in the same boat.  I didn't go to school and I worked instead.  Now my FAFSA info will be based on my income of 20,000 even though if i go to school full-time I won't be making any money.  We should keep in touch and encourage each other.  I hate feeling like I have an "impossibbility complex" over something as simple as going to school.  If you can work out something to get through your first year, you will be eligible next year.  Take student loans, it should be worth it.  If you click my name, there is a link on my profile to send me an email.  Feel free!
420914
Don't let the admissions person bully you around. It's all your decision. Tell this person straight up that you are going to wait.\n\nThat said I fully support going back to school! I understand if you're worried about the money though. Make sure you do start classes, sooner or later!
455342
Well, if they are paying then you better listen to them.  If not then, do what you want.  Just realize that you run the risk of losing financial support from them, and that will be hard.  Speaking from experience.... a free ride is almost always a good thing.  If school is paid for and you don't have to work full time to pay bills then take it.  It's the smart thing to do.  You'll be better off financially and it's not for that long.  Maybe you can stay home for the first 2 years and then move out after that?
959074
The best place to go for information regarding financing your education is your school's financial aid office. They should point you in the right direction regarding financing options. Because your parents "make too much money" as is the case with the majority of college students, you will probably need to take out student loans. If you go through the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan program, the interest rates are extremely reasonable and payback schedules are flexible. \n\nBesides loans, you can also attain non-need-based grants, and scholarships through private institutions. Then, there are also work study programs. Although, admittedly, many of my friends did not like this option. \n\nPlease heed the deadlines for applications submissions as they are extremely important. Be open with your financial aid officers and let them know your concerns and they should give you some good advice.\n\nGood luck!
769045
Dont be intimidated, apply to better schools that you think you would like to be at. Think about where you want to be in a year...in three years. \n\nYou can put off student loans as long as you need to. My best advice is to go to a better school and call the office of financial aid for that school, they will help you and make things a lot easier so you will have more power over making the decisions.\n\nCommunity college sucks, I wouldn't recommend staying there, start applying to better schools immediately and drop out of any classes you think you might fail because those classes will stay on your record and that won't help you if you're trying to go anywhere good.
154479
I was in your position once.  You apply for FAFSA and they give you a Pell grant (or not) based on parent's income (family's calculated contribution).  Recently, Bush cut from the budget of Pell grants, so you may not be as lucky.  You do not have to pay back student loans until 6 months after you have left school, but college is worth every penny and every loan I took out, so I hope you will make a way. If I could, then anyone can.
524520
Future - I'm applying to college this year... very stressful
472892
im doing the same thing now. the financial dept at the college you want to go to can help you. i got a full pell grant and i qualify for student loans as well.42 years old with 2 kids. good luck
1107913
.First of all, there is no such thing as a sponsor for college.  You can apply for scholarships.  Contact A&M and find out what scholarships are available for your intended major and apply for them.  I hate to burst your bubble, but unless you kick butt in sports--no one is going to offer you a free ride at a major university. I would suggest that you continue at the community college and earn an associate’s degree and then transfer over to A&M.  More then likely, you will have to take out federal student loans to help pay for your education.  Federal student loans are not bad.  I myself had to take 24K out to help cover the cost of my schooling.  You do not make payments while in school.  Once you leave or graduate from school, you have six months before you have to start repayment. If you are having trouble landing a good job, you can apply for forbearance or deferment.  That will give you a year without payments or reduced payments.  I struggled to get money up for school; after the first year at community college, I decided the debt was worth it to go to a real university.  There is no fairy god mother to help you; she's too busy gushing over the quarterback of the local high school football team.  It sucks that the jocks get the free ride, while people like us with the "A" average have to go into debt.  \nCheck out: www.ed.gov .  Find the section that is for students.  There you will find a link to the federal financial aid programs.  Good luck
185041
I have a ton of thoughts, but one piece of advice that has always helped me. If you go looking for loans and aide and someone tells you no, keep looking, there is always another door to open. If you put your mind to it, you can finance you college career on your own. I did it. I went to a private university at the tune of $28,000 a year and paid for it all on my own through aides and loans. Good luck!