Can a Mexican-American like me, go to college?

Question

I'm going to start my senior year in high school this year and college is something I need to start thinking about. I get good grades and usually get a 3.5 GPA. I really want to attend a four year university in California so i wont be charged out of state fees, but its very expensive. Im not poor but it still is a lot of money. Is there anyone here that has tips to make this time a little more clear? Anything i should be doing?

Answer 1

Yes, you can definitely go to college somewhere if that's what you want. You should apply to many different schools for a better chance of not only getting accepted, but getting scholarships as well. You might apply to a reach school (a school you would like to go to but that you don't really think you'll make it into, or aren't sure about anyway) and a few schools that you think you can get into. I would also suggest applying to a community college, so that way if you don't get in anywhere else, or if it ends up being too expensive, you have a backup.

Then, you should fill out the FAFSA. The deadlines for each college should be listed on their websites, but it's usually around the start of the new year. This will allow the gov't to see if you qualify for federal aid. Even if you don't qualify, colleges often use this to see if you qualify for grants or scholarships that they offer, so you should definitely fill it out.

It would also be helpful to apply for scholarships. There are scholarships that colleges offer, as well as independent scholarships. Look at what scholarships are offered by the colleges you're applying to, and apply for as many of those as you can. You can find independent scholarships at www.fastweb.com or other websites like that. You should apply for as many as you can.

Your counselors will probably be talking to you seniors about colleges, and what you need to do, but you should make sure to talk to them, even if they don't come to you. They can help you with your applications and deadlines and everything. I know it sounds overwhelming, but it's not something you have to do all at once, just make sure to do everything on time, and you'll be fine. I hope this gives you an idea of what you'll need to do, and good luck!

Answer 2

If you are graduating 2008 by December of this year go to fafsa.gov and apply for financial aid. if you are not working, have a minimum wage job, parents are low income you may qualify. I have known students to qualify for tuition and books. financial aid nor grants have to be paid back. the more the university or college costs the more they give you. if for any reason they do not cover all your expenses you can apply for student loans. because your under age your parents will have to apply for you (not a good idea). student loans don't have to be paid back until you graduate, but if for whatever reason you don't you have to pay back. the govt will take there money from you no matter what. all colleges and universities have payment plans of some sort so if you have a job, its affordable. if doesn't matter if your a mexican american, education is for everyone. good luck!

Answer 3

Of course, you can get into college. As a California resident, getting admission into a state school shouldn't be too difficult. Make sure you write a good essay, get good recommendations from teachers, get a good SAT score, and are participating in valuable extracurricular activities. You should consider applying to scholarships. Talk to your school guidance counselor about scholarships and definitely apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA).

You might also want to register for a free account at fastweb.com that will find you scholarships that match your academic qualifications, interests, and future career goals. Good luck!

Answer 4

Stay in state, because it's a waste of money to go out of state. They charge you more just because of where you lived last year. Take out student loans if you have to, you pay them back after you graduate. College pays for itself in the long run. You sound like a smart person, and if you don't go to college, you're going to get out in the world, be unhappy in some crappy job, and then decide to go back to school when it is much harder. I am giving you a link down below with resources for CA financial aid and college financial resources. Good luck!

Answer 5

If you're trying to sound inspirational--don't. It's not working and it's actually making me roll my eyes. But to the point, with such a high GPA, you could easily scholarship, but you can always go to government funding. There is also the option of getting student loans, which may be a pain in the butt in the end, but if you get a good degree, ti's more than worth it. Don't worry, I'm in about the same situation as you, except Caucasian, and I'm still looking at my options.

Answer 6

Well, assuming you have a 3.5 GPA Unweighted, I'd reccomend you apply to all the Cal States and UCR, UCI, UC Merced. Try to apply for Cal Grants and Financial Aid. You should consider taking student loans.

Answer 7

Fill out the FAFSA to see if you can get any financial aid and/or student loans for different colleges you wish to attend.

To fill out the FAFSA you will need to get an education pin number, along with your parrents will need to get one. They have a link to the sites needed at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Also you should check with each university to see what scholarships they have and check to see if you qualify for them.

Answer 8

Dude, if a brown kid like me that made it to the best engineering college in Canada, damn stright your going college!