Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Engine on January 17, 2005, 07:49:29 AM
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Hiya folks. Here's my situation: I'm 24, very poor, and pay rent for myself and my father (he's 71, and is retired). I'd planned to go to college earlier, but some health situations with my mother, now deceased, forced me to get a job and support the family.
Now, I think I'm ready to go back to school. I think chances are good that tuition will be free due to poverty, but as I still need money to pay rent and buy groceries, I'll need a college loan of some sort. I was hoping that before I start looking for a loan, I could get some advice on what I should be keeping my eye out for.
If anyone has some ideas, links, tips, anything, they'd be greatly appreciated.
I'm not enrolled currently, if that makes a difference. I'm thinking I'd secure the loan first, pay off outstanding rent, and then apply to a New York community school.
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The world needs ditch diggers to.
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There are a ton of factors but two of the most important are:
How much did you make last year?
And Do you have anyone the IRS would consider a dependant?
There are grants which you don't have to pay back (Pell is US gov't and Illinois had a college grant program too, don't know about your state)
There are loans, direct from the US called (when I went) The Direct Loan. Need based Direct loans don't accrue interest while you are in school, non-need based do.
The best thing you can do is go to your chosen school's Financial Aid office and talk to them. They can give you a much clearer picture and start the process for you.
One other thing, when they figured my need for financial aid, they included things like tuition, books, rent, food, etc...
Good Luck.
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Not sure which State you're in, but you might want to look at a local Community (Junior?) College for 2 years, and live at home. Work nights and try to limit college loans to a minimum. Do well in JC and you may be eligible for a scholarship.
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Originally posted by midnight Target
. Work nights and try to limit college loans to a minimum.
Definitely good advice. I'm paying too much now because didn't work as much as I could have during school.
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You may also qualify for several different types of loans one of which would be a Pell Grant which you don't have to repay. Go take a look around the college you would like to attend and sit down with the Financial Aid counselors in that department and they can direct you towards something that will fit what you want.
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I STRONGLY second the grant and scholarship search. Spend some quality time at the financial aid office and get everything you can related to your school, major and lifestyle. hen start sending out requests. Look also in the area that you intend to work. Is there a company in your area that is in your area of study? If so look to see what they provide in the way of education incentives. There may be an oportunity to get a scholarship that will also have a job for a few years as a means of repaying or working off the scholarship. Similar to the Military, they provide education funds and you owe them "x" number of years loyalty work in return.
In the short term get a loan so you can get into school then go after the "free" money so that you do not have a mountain of debt when you graduate.
Finally, mini d that was neither called for or funy. Try and be an adult and delete your post.
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Engine, go here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
If you plan on going to school this Fall, get your taxes done as soon as possible, then turn around and appy for fin aid as soon as possible after that...you'll need info on your 2004 income when you apply. It'd probably be handy if you know what school you plan on attending, and if you do, drop by their financial aid department and find out from them exactly what you'll need to do.
Eventually, you'll get an offer of financial aid back. Depending on what you qualify for, this can be Federal grants, and subsidized or unsubsidized loans. Grants are good, of course as they're free money you don't have to pay back. Subsidized loans are the next best thing, as the feds cover the interest on your loan while you are attending school. With unsubsidized loans, the interest starts accruing when you receive your first loan check, and you have the option of paying the interest as you attend school or just tacking it onto the loan - your payments will usually start 6 months from graduation.
You may be asked what financial institution you want your loan to go through, and I'm not sure if it matters all that much who you choose. I've always selected Washington Mutual just because, and the loan still ends up with Sally Mae, which is a good thing. For my friends who have loans they are currently repaying, Sally Mae seems to be very flexible about deferments if you let them know ahead of time that you can't make a payment.
If the offer of aid you get back is pitiful, you do have the option of appealing it, usually based on current circumstances. For instance, if your income this year is substantially less than last year...there are a few certain circumstances they list that you can appeal for, but the fin aid office at your college can let you know about that if/when you feel the need to appeal.
Finally, make damned sure that your aid is in place before school starts. Once you think everything is done, talk to the fin aid office once or twice to make sure you're good to go. The folks at my college's fin aid office are "special" (well, most of them), so I find it good to get an answer about any particular issue from two different people just to make sure it matches up.
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Thanks dude, looks like I'll have to get my taxes all in order... blech. The IRS isn't going to be happy, I owe them... umm.. a little.
I was hoping I'd be able to get something quick, to hold me over while I go through the whole FAFSA process. Is it possible to get a student loan quickly and without being enrolled in a school?
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Check the site I linked, 'cause I'm not sure. In my experience, my loans have been held by the school until the first day of the term, at which point they'll mail out a check or do direct deposit.
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You should figure out where you want to go to school, and talk to their Financial Aid counselor.
I also second MT's JC recomendation, although I don't know anything about New York's school system, the California JCs offer an excellent chance for non-traditional students to get into the State Universities, while saving you a to of money.
-Sik
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Screw the loans, go for the grants.
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Originally posted by Maverick
Finally, mini d that was neither called for or funy. Try and be an adult and delete your post.
Mav,
They are both FDBs....I highly doubt he really meant it.
I laughed. Sorry engine...but that was typical MiniD.
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It was both called for and funny, and I'm disappointed in myself for not beating Mini-dork to the punch. On the other hand, I think Engine would make a better prostitute than he would a ditch digger...I hear the specialties can demand a high price, so for once in his life being a tranny would be a plus!
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Originally posted by Maverick
Finally, mini d that was neither called for or funy. Try and be an adult and delete your post.
It was both called for and funny. I demand you delete this from your post.
Besides, engine is probably going to go for some kind gay bellybutton liberal arts degree. 6 years from now he'll end up with a ba in english that will get him a job at any number of starbucks stands and $50,000 of debt to student loans. He'll get bitter and blame the republicans for his dillema and turn into just another worthless democrat. And it will all be your fault.
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Join the military dude.
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Originally posted by Raubvogel
Join the military dude.
Travel to exotic distant lands
Meeting exciting and unusual people
and kill them.
;)
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It's obvious some of the bastards in this thread are jealous of the svelte, lean, well-proportioned body I maintain despite the Guinness and fat rare burgers. Being poor sucks though, so I can afford neither.
I'd like to join the USAF, but I've been told from a bunch of folks (some FDBs) that it's much better to go into it with a degree, and become an officer. Jeez, I need money fast. Think I'll have to secure a small college loan to pay off my rent and then try for all the FAFSA paperwork junk...
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Scholarships that anyone can apply for are hard to get; there is a lot of competition. Search for one that is specific to you. Consider every aspect about your parents and heritage; either of your parent’s high school’s alumni associations might offer a scholarship for children of fellow alumni (I work with someone who got one of these). The same can be said about their college. If either belongs to any clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) they may offer something. Your parents’ place of employment (or previous employer) may offer something to the children of their employees. Any other aspects of your heritage or religion might also be worth looking into (even if you are an ordinary white guy). Many of these oddball scholarships go unclaimed, apply and its yours. Lastly, you may have earned enough PETA points to earn a Bunny-Hugger scholarship!
Also, once you’ve worked in the real world, you will find that college is pretty easy. You can take 6 to 12 credits a semester while you work full time; or you can take 18 to 24 credits a semester if you are not working.
eskimo
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The hooker option is still on the table. I hear Muck is in the market for a svelte charmer, and I think he's in NY too!
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It is possible to get a masters or doctorate for free.
1). Upon acceptance to a master's Level program, immediately apply for a graduate staff assistant position on campus, and you will get a tuition waiver for the projected length of the program.
2). apply for a fellowship, if the doctorate program is something you want. Larger, and many of the smaller institutions are starving for research assistants.
3). find a full-time job at a college that allows you to study at cost, or for free. there are many out there, but you need to see if there's one in your area.
It worked for me, and three of my siblings, none of us were able to afford it otherwise, good luck!
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Originally posted by Engine
I'd like to join the USAF, but I've been told from a bunch of folks (some FDBs) that it's much better to go into it with a degree, and become an officer. Jeez, I need money fast. Think I'll have to secure a small college loan to pay off my rent and then try for all the FAFSA paperwork junk...
You asked this like 4 years ago when you were still young.
Being an officer is nice, but if you're not in the AF before you are 28 you cannot be a pilot.
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GL Dweebgine!
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Does this info you all are provifing apply to recent high school grads also?
My son is going to be a senior next year so I figure nows the time to start considering all these options.
One of the things we are considering is stating out at a community College and going there for a year or two before transfering to a better college like say Rutgers as an example.
Still paying for it is going to be a struggle at best
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Do not do the community college then JC/Major college thing until you know what the college you plan on graduating from will accept when it comes time to transfer credits. Oregon has a transfer degree program established with the cc to ensure you don't do two years of cc only to find you have to retake half of the courses because the state college requires a slightly different class.
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Much scholarship (read: free) money goes unused every year. Many local chapters of professional societies in a variety of disciplines have scholarship money available to needy students. It is also a great way to make connections that can lead to better than average job offers.
Let me give you an example. I know someone who received a scholarship from a local chapter of the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers). He knew little about them and they knew little about him, but they were happy to finally find someone to give the money to.
He went to monthly dinners they held (for free of course) when he had the time and by the time he was ready to graduate, the members were competing to see who could get him the best job. He ended up with quite a few mentors, started at a higher salary than other employees, moved up the management ladder at lightening pace from his contacts, then started playing AH and lost it all. He's homeless and living in a cardboard box now, but he was ranked in the top 100 one month, so he felt it was all worth it.
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Originally posted by Curval
Travel to exotic distant lands
Meeting exciting and unusual people
and kill them.
;)
Curval do you have real long hair, wear bellbottoms and drive a VW bug with flowers painted on it? Cause that was the last time I heard that one.
War...Good God Y'All...What is it Good For...Absolultly nutthin'
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Don't buy a College......
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Dreidock,
Unless your son knows what he wants to do, apply to a liberal arts college, since most JC/CCs have a specific program,that may not suit him. I support public institutions, and you get an in-state tuition waiver, as well.
If he gets in, he can apply to become a resident assistant, and most schools allow for him to live there tuition-free, but will still have to pay for room and board.
Financial Aid is the way to go, and yes, millions of dollars go unused each year.
http://www.scholarships.com is a helpful link
Also, if you are from a low-income tax-bracket, and he is the first person in your family to attend college, he is eligible for TRIO/ SSS (Student Support Services), and can get money to pay for books, and other financial support.
good luck
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I recieve loans and grants for college. Like said above you need to go to the financial aid department of the school you want to attend. You need to Fill out the FAFSA. The link is also above. Then you will recieve periodic inquiries on finances and other info that is needed. It took me 6 months to get my financial aid to go through now I get about $4000 a semester. 2700 in loans and 1050 pell grant. The loans are really good. Low Low interest until 6 months after graduation or withdrawl from college.
The main problem I have run into is covering books, and tuition until those checks come in which is usually after school has started. #1 priority fill out your FAFSA today!!! that gets the ball rolling.
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It took me 7 years, working every other semester (and summers), for a BS. I took out short-term student loans (90 days), but I just used them for entrepreneurial distribution opportunities in the local horticultural commodities market.
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moved to Texas, join the military. Do 180 days, get out and public college tuition is free. Dont bother with the GI bill, Hazlewood act is much nicer. Stay poor and get a grant that cover books (TPEG), get on work study that gives you a job on campus. Do the happy dance.
hmmm this seems so familiar.....
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Thanks for the advise. and the link.
amusing play on my handle took a sec for it to sink in.
would have fit my father well
Originally posted by Red Tail 444
Dreidock,
Unless your son knows what he wants to do, apply to a liberal arts college, since most JC/CCs have a specific program,that may not suit him. I support public institutions, and you get an in-state tuition waiver, as well.
If he gets in, he can apply to become a resident assistant, and most schools allow for him to live there tuition-free, but will still have to pay for room and board.
Financial Aid is the way to go, and yes, millions of dollars go unused each year.
http://www.scholarships.com is a helpful link
Also, if you are from a low-income tax-bracket, and he is the first person in your family to attend college, he is eligible for TRIO/ SSS (Student Support Services), and can get money to pay for books, and other financial support.
good luck
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Thanks for the advise. and the link.
amusing play on my handle took a sec for it to sink in.
would have fit my father well
Sorry for the typo, I am slightly dyslexic, and the letters get mixed up sometimes...no slight or insult offended.
If you have any more questions, you can email me at corsair_pilot_mn@yahoo.com. I'd be happy to help however I can, the whole application process can be a real pain in the 6.
let me know.
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Originally posted by Raider179
The main problem I have run into is covering books, and tuition until those checks come in which is usually after school has started. #1 priority fill out your FAFSA today!!! that gets the ball rolling.
Ran into the same problem. Went to the campus library and filled most of my needs.
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I'm in the same boat you're in right now Engine. Send me an email, pretty sure it's in my sig. I'll give ya all the info I've found on my search. Good luck man.
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Short term student loans are available for that purpose at most schools. They are zero intrest and last for 90 days, long enough to cover your books/tuition until your grant/loan cmes in.
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Good luck with your search Engine, school is expensive... Just dropped over $900 for ONE class and books for it today... And it's only a state school to boot! Sheeesh.
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Originally posted by Red Tail 444
Sorry for the typo, I am slightly dyslexic, and the letters get mixed up sometimes...no slight or insult offended.
If you have any more questions, you can email me at corsair_pilot_mn@yahoo.com. I'd be happy to help however I can, the whole application process can be a real pain in the 6.
let me know.
Thought it was intentional.
but none was taken.
I mix the letters up all the time
My Father was a Sr. Port engineer.
Worked for a Co that did repairs on Naval Ships.
there was one ship in particular a Missle tracking ship of sorts that he used to have to travel all over the country to wherever it came into port. Or so it is my understanding.
Dont know all the particulars As we hadnt much contact the last few years of his life.
I do know he managed front row seats to the launching of several Space Shuttle flights from on board one of the ships
Hence my comment on how it would have fit my father well.
thanks for the info
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The wierd thing is for all these years I was pronouncing it like "drydock,"
Did he ever spend time in Newport?
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Originally posted by Red Tail 444
The wierd thing is for all these years I was pronouncing it like "drydock,"
Did he ever spend time in Newport?
LOL I've seen and heard more variations on this handle from people then I can probably count. So that doesnt suprise me
No idea but I would imagine its possible.
I know he used to end up all over the place.
But like I said we didnt have a whole lot of contact the last few years of his life before he was hit by a car and eventually died in CoCoa Beach fla about 12 years ago.
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I can't get past you asking for career/life advice on the internet. Is your old name Udie?
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
LOL I've seen and heard more variations on this handle from people then I can probably count. So that doesnt suprise me
No idea but I would imagine its possible.
I know he used to end up all over the place.
But like I said we didnt have a whole lot of contact the last few years of his life before he was hit by a car and eventually died in CoCoa Beach fla about 12 years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Well, if you need any more help, let me know:(
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Originally posted by Engine
If anyone has some ideas, links, tips, anything, they'd be greatly appreciated.
If you refused to register for the draft or have ever been convicted of a drug crime just lie about it, they have no way of checking.
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http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Act now while you can still consolidate your loans in the future. Rates are at an all time loan around 2.8%. These will change in the future because the Government is taking a bath on the interest payments. So they will soon become adjustable rate loans indexed to one of the indicators like LIPPER, or Prime rate. Etc.
Good luck.
Post again if you have questions I just whent through this with my wife's Law school loans.
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Sell your arse. There are lots of guys in blue states that will pay top dollar for a young thing like you.