what should i do about college?

Question

i want to go to college soooo badly but, my parents definitely aren't going to help me pay. my mom is FURIOUS that i want to go to college....she said shes not going to support me at all!!! so i don't know what to do.....i mean its 3 years away but like i wanna be prepared. should i start saving now? or should i get a loan? and whats the best type of loan? and do they screw u at the end?-like do they make u pay for ur loan immediately? what are my best options? and how much do u think it will cost to get into the university of arizona? etc.......thank you for all of your help!!!

and what about a community college? like Pima?

Answer 1

That's so amazing and horrible that your parents aren't supporting your decision to go to college. Good for you for going against them. It's the best thing you will ever do for yourself.
--First of all, there is the Pell Grant, a federal program for students of need. It does not need to be repaid. You do have to apply. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year was $4,731. Info is here: http://www.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html
--Then there are loans that you can take out. You have to pay it back, but you have about 25 years to do it.
--There are scholarships too, which you don't have to pay back.
--Many colleges offer financial aid, which you don't have to pay back.
U Arizona: Tuition is $4,766 in-state, $14,972 out-of-state; room and board is $7,850.
Community College is usually cheaper, but if you can afford a college of UA, you should go there.

Answer 2

Absolutely start now - not at all too early - really time to start. Get with your h.s. guidance counselor - that's one of the main things they are supposed to do, give you college info. For example, they should know about various scholarships you might qualify for, and what requirements the various colleges want.
If your mom isn't going to help, then DO NOT let her claim you on your taxes when you're 18. You'll be considered for scholarships and student aid on the basis of YOUR income alone, which will be close to zero, and gives you a better chance of getting aid.
There are loans, grants (you don't pay back), student aid jobs on campus, scholarships - many of which are not really known about. If you are an "ethnic group" or have a particular sport or strength, look into all possible ways to get $$. The state sometimes offers grants for students who will go into the "helping careers" like teaching or social work. Say teaching - they pay for everything, then you owe them maybe 3 years of teaching in the state (at regular teacher's pay) and you don't pay back anything.
You do not pay the student loan back all at once when you graduate. They put you on a monthly payment plan.
RIGHT NOW look at your extra-curricular activities and if they aren't enough, get some going & continue thru Sr. year at h.s. Really important on college applications. Yearbook, cheerleading, soccer, volunteer work outside the school, whatever. Get it documented - if volunteer work outside school, a letter from the organization thanking you for working X hours. If with school, documentation will exist already.
Go online to Univ of Az & wherever else & request a catalog. That will help you get idea of costs & available financial aid.

Answer 3

You are three years away STOP WORRYING! When you get close to it contact your schools financial aide office. They will help you become classified as a legal adult so that you can use only your income as a request for aide. Then they will help you get grants so you dont need to pay anyone back! There are many ways you can get the money for school without freaking out now! If you want to save money now thats a good idea too, but dont think that just because you dont have enough when it starts that you dont have any other options. The college you want to go to can and WILL help!

Answer 4

You might want to consider a good community college, and then you can tranfer to a 4-year college after two years. That way you can work part-time and go to school. That's terrible that your mom doesn't want you to go to college!

Loans are repaid over 10+ years after graduation, so you don't have a big load right at the beginning. Unfortunately, your parents must complete the financial aid form for you, as you will still be considered a "dependent." I hope she will cooperate.

Answer 5

I am in my in my 2nd year at Community College. It was the best choice for me. My mom wasnt mad when I told her that I wanted to go to college.

Go onto the University of Arizona and talk to the admissions. They will be more that happy to talk to you.
Ask them to send you a info packet.