I want to go to the University of Toledo. I have no money, and my parents do not want to pay all of that money because they want me to go to Lakeland Community College first. I do not want to go there, and i need to get out of this house!!! Should I take loans??? or just suffer for what i dont want. Im applying for scholorships, but i dont understand the loan process, financial aid, etc. And i really dont know what to do!!!
2006-10-19 08:12:27 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Well first, to the person who asked if this is a "real" question, YES it is. Ugh, I don't like know-it-alls...or think-they-know-it-alls...
To answer your question...
First, take a deep breath! :) lol...
Second, you HAVE to sit down with your parents and go over finances. Will they pay for you to go to community college? Maybe they would pay half of the tuition for you to go to the U of Toledo. Figuring out what they will pay for will make your decision a little more clear.
Sit down with them and be honest. Tell them that you will regret not going to this specific University, and the money is worth it. It is really important to compromise with your parents, and understand their points of view. They obviously are looking out for your finances. It is FAR less expensive to go to a community college, but I really think you miss out on the experience of being on a University campus. I attend the U of MN, and I pay about $9,000 a year (I commute, so that number doesn't even include books and dorming). So it is not cheap...I will be in debt about $40,000 when I am out of college. And let me mention that I am paying for EVERY penny of my college by myself. Yay for responsibility! You really need to make a pros and cons list between community college and the University of Toledo. What does the U of Toledo have that the community college doesn't? And vice versa?
Also, if you DO plan on attending college and your parents do not plan on covering any of it, then you DEFINITELY need to fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA basically determines what grants and loans you will be offered. For example, this year, I was offered about $7,500 from one called the SELF loan, about $5,000 from one called the Ford Subsidized, and about $5,000 from the PARENT loan. I declined one of them, and accepted the other two...
Here is a brief overview of the FAFSA process:
*NOTE: You must be enrolled in a college to do this! They will ask for information about the semester(s) you are attending, year in college, etc...
1) Fill out the form online (your parents will need to fill in some information as well!!)
2) When you are finished filling out the form, you have to electronically submit it (it will tell you how at the website) and you should receive a confirmation in about 2-3 days (by email)
3) From there, whatever college you attend (lets say the U of Toledo) will most likely email you and tell you that your financial aid rewards are available to be viewed
4) From there, you can accept or decline whatever financial aid you receive. NEVER decline grant money. Grant money is all free, and you never have to pay a cent of it! It's basically like free money. As for loans, there is a LOT you need to check on. First of all, the interest rate is HUGE! Just like on a credit card, when you have a balance, they charge you interest on whatever money you have taken out. The lower the interest rate, the better. So watch out for that. Also, look at the different repayment plans (when you need to start repaying the loan). Also, check into if there even IS interest. For example, my Ford loan, I do not pay any interest right now because it is subsidized. If it were UNsubsidized, then I would. Commonly, most loans (the actual loan amount taken out) don't need to be repaid (or start being repaid) until after you graudate from college. But you MOST LIKELY will have to pay INTEREST on the loans during college!! So watch out for that! I pay about $200 quarterly on interest payments on my loans! EEK!
**If you are lucky enough to get a scholarship, there are probably individual directions on how to transfer the money to the college. You should probably contact the scholarship organization for details. I knowa good portion just send you a check in the mail, some send it directly to the University...it depends...
So, community college is MUCH more affordable. But it depends on how bad you want to be at the U of Toledo. And remember, you can always transfer after a semester or two. It is VERY common for students to take two years at a community college, and then finish off their degree at a University. You just have to make sure the credits transfer.
If you do plan on attending the U of Toledo and you plan out loans, it would be a REALLY smart idea to a) meet with a financial aid representative at the U of Toledo or at your high school, b) research on Google or at the school's website, and c) talk to your parents. Even if your parents don't want you to go, they need to accept the fact that you are now an adult and you will make the decision with or without their help. But it would really help you get off to a good start if you had some help with the preparations. Ya kind of have to butter them up! :) I am lucky to have a dad in finance, so he really helped explain the loan process. Sometimes, Universities offer freshman classes about how to manage money. I took an online course about how to pay loans, choose credit cards, etc... and it was very beneficial!
How I would approach your parents...
Tell them that you want to start having responsibilities (parents like to hear that). Tell them you are growing up and you want to be prepared for what comes after college (bills, for example). Tell them that you pay for what you get, and the U of Toledo would give you many options in majors, University activities, and probably a better college social life. I personally like Universities more than community college. I mean, yes, community college is a great deal and you still get an education. I just think Universities are...better. One of my psychology professors was credited as one of the top 5 psychologists in the world! So you catch my drift... Also, no offense to community college goers, but it does look really good to have an educaiton from a University.
Whatever you decide, just remember that there are SOOOO many students in your situation. The cost of college is ridiculous in today's age. I think I read somewhere that, in the past 5 years, the prices have increased by 77%. That's no small number! You really need to do a personal evaluation on what is important to you. Are you willing to be $40,000 in debt with a degree from the U of Toledo. Or, would you rather be in debt minimally (or possibly no debt if your parents pay) from a community college. It is a big step, and only you can decide!!
GOOD LUCK and I would be more than happy to talk to you about it! :)
Cost Estimator for U of Toledo:
http://www.financialaid.utoledo.edu/estimator/
This is what you REALLY need to look at. It's a step by step (very handy....I wish I had this!)
http://www.financialaid.utoledo.edu/apply.html
2006-10-19 08:53:41 · answer #1 · answered by kelikristina 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you go to a college that you don't REALLY want to, you most likely will not do as well in your classes, because you will just hate being there. If you really want to go to a University, take out a Stafford loan (from your bank). They are loans meant just for school, and you do not have to pay on them at all until 6 months after your graduation date. Save as much money while you are in school and make a big payment when you are done. You will succeed and do better if you are happy with your school.
Forget that guy above, what a jerk, this is a big decision for you!
2006-10-19 08:16:18 · answer #2 · answered by cary_bell_2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get some loans. it's some paperwork but after the first year it gets easier because you are already in the system. one problem is this--if your parents have a high income, but just dont want to pay for you to go to Univ of Toledo, you will have trouble getting financial aid, because you wont' qualify if your parents make enough money to send you themselves. if they DON'T make enough money, then you will qualifiy for aid--either way you will probably qualify for something--call the Univ of Toledo's financial aid office for the quickest answers to your questions. yes, go where you want to go and do what you want to do--the total college experience is totally different than the community college experience--however, there is nothing wrong with going to a community college for a couple fo years, getting the basics out of the way, and then finishing out at a regular college. either way, good luck!
2006-10-19 08:19:13 · answer #3 · answered by KJC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
History
2016-03-28 01:44:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'll probably have to take out loans anyway even if you do go to CC for 2 years first. Let your parents support you while you go to a CC so you'll only have to get loans for 2 years of college instead of 4.
Why not get a job and rent an apartment with some friends while at LCC? That way, you're out of the house and still going to school.
2006-10-19 08:17:22 · answer #5 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a job
Go Lakeland Community College CornEaters!
Whoop! Whoop!
2006-10-19 08:14:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
honestly, I would suggest going to community college your first year just to get your core credits out of the way. I know it isnt as glamorous to go to "community college" and it sucks to tell your friends thats what you are doing, but since you are under finacial restraints, you would be better off taking the classes that you HAVE to take for less money. that way you can save up and transfer to Toledo when you are more finacially secure, and it will be easier to get in if you transfer.
2006-10-19 08:16:09 · answer #7 · answered by Smart Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to FAFSA.ED.GOV and fill out an application.
This is not only for loans, but will also tell you what grants you could qualify for.
Also: Once you apply and are accepted into college, talk to the financial aid office about scholarship applications. Most Universities just have a form you fill out and they will notify you when you qualify.
2006-10-19 08:15:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are just beginning to know what life is all about, I am 40 years old and just went start college, you think you have stress, think about me, but this is something I want and something that I am going to do. If your parents want to pay for me, I'll take it.
2006-10-19 08:22:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are still in high school then please go talk with your guidance counselor. They are paid to help with the schlarship process. They know exactly how to get through the forms and can be a lot of help to you. Good luck.
2006-10-19 08:14:44 · answer #10 · answered by Proud to be an American 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG...this is your bigest problem...
HAHAHA
just wait till you get out into the real world... With real bills.
GROW UP!!!
UUUUGH.
If you want to go to Toledo... Find out how to pay for it yourself...
If your parents are paying for it do what they say!!!
Damn...is this a real question?///
2006-10-19 08:14:57 · answer #11 · answered by USMCstingray 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋