I don't know what to do about college? I just don't know...?

Question

My name is Sylvia and I am a senior in high school as well as a freshman in community college. I have been dual enrolled at both schools since I was 15. I did this for a number of reasons. First, to relieve my father of financial pressure, to pick up some college credits, and to gain some college experience. I have a 4.0 at my community college and a 3.3 in high school. My problem is this- I have been accepted to Howard University, however, my father does not have the money to send me. He wants me to continue at my local community college, graduate with a 4.0, and go to an accredited university as a transfer. Should I take out a student loan and go against his will? I want to get out of this controlling and hostile environment at home. I would love to go to Howard this fall, and being a Howard grad himself, I know he wants the same for me. We just don't have the moula and I dont qualify for scholarship money because my SAT scores were slightly below the cutoff. What do I do? :(

Answer 1

Your father is thinking practically even though it might be hard to believe it. Going into a large amount of student loan debt will make it difficult for you with the repayments once you graduate from Howard university. It is hard to get a student loan at your age without a cosigner. It could make it difficult without a good paying career to afford a place of your own once you graduate with student loans. If you do not believe me, use the student loan calculator at Finaid. It is late to find outside scholarships but is possible. I will list some free resources to locate college scholarships. It would be wise to remain at the community college if you can't find enough money and then transfer as a junior.

First, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Third, the high school guidance office has a list of local scholarships and state scholarships & grants. This can be done in the senior year.

Fourth, a campus work study job can help with money needed during the school year. The program is funded by the federal government. It will be a job on campus and most times can work to your availability schedule. There should be a box on the FAFSA form for it.

Fifth, fill out the FAFSA form after January 1 of your senior year of high school. It will qualify her for need based financial aid from the federal government and the school itself. It will come in the form of scholarships, Pell Grant, student loans, and the work study program.

Sixth, study and practice for the SAT or ACT tests. It can help bring merit scholarships from the college itself. Prepare for the PSAT which could bring in scholarship money with excellent scores. I recommend using test preparation book, software, or a test preparation course.

Seventh, states do offer grant and scholarships for students with excellent grades. Search Google.com and Yahoo.com for these grants and scholarships with your state's name.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Answer 2

you could go to howard, and find ways to pay for it yourself. Or, you could qualify for a transfer scholarship, since you are already attending a two year degree. What you are not realizing is, Howard has the choice to pick and choose what courses they will accept, meaning it will increase your time there. But getting an associates degree, this is will secure the fact that you will have two years remaining and become eligible for a transfer scholarships from the school.

Answer 3

There are things called stafford loans. but the best bet is to contact finacial aid at howards and have a meeting with a counselor. also check out all the scholarships possible for you. fastweb is a good place to start.

Answer 4

You said it yourself. You want to go and get out of the controlling home life. You're an adult or just about to be. If Howard is what YOU want. Then go for it. It's your life to live, not your fathers.

Answer 5

simply put the FAFSA which is located right http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ theres a crapload of paperwork to be done, but it was a real godsend for myself and my family and it should be the same for you too.
***typically you also complete the stafford loan with this.