Paying for college on my own.?
Question:
So I decided I will just have to pay for myself.
How do I do this, I am a straight a student and I volunteer at all sorts of place. I am 15 so i have about 3 to 4 years.
thanks guys, your answers are truly appreciated.
Also do you think it would be wise if when I turned 18 to move in with a friend?
Answer:
Be involved in extracurricular activities. Your grades are great, so you would qualify for most academic scholarships. I'm not being sexist or racist when I say this, but being a girl or minority helps because there are more scholarships available to those two groups that whites or males may not apply for. The extracurricular activities, especially community service or leadership positions, just put you ahead of other applicants and also opens up more scholarship opportunities. Based on grades alone and if you did well on the ACT/SAT, many universities will offer full-ride scholarships to you.
Start applying for scholarships your Sophomore/Junior years in High School. Usually school counselors will have a list you can apply to. Apply to them all. There are many unclaimed scholarships because not enough people apply. You should have no problem paying for college.
For the question of moving out at 18, it just depends on you. Some people are better off when they get out of their parents house, some it makes no difference, and some it makes things worse. Do a pros and cons list to see what is best. Moving out will be a stress on you and make it harder to get straight A's, but if home is more stressful, it may help.
Go to med school first...then counselling school. Life is long enuff to allow for both!
Your parents are not obligated in any way to pay for your college education, first of all.
Secondly, I'd strongly advise you to get a part-time job now and save, save, save. It will be quite beneficial down the road. As for moving in with a friend, perhaps. But consider the cost of living and really think hard. I'd highly recommend living with parents and saving money for as long as possible. Fending for yourself is no easy task and once you're on your own, your parents will not be there to bail you out.
Be smart and make wise, carefully thought out decisions before doing anything.
Well good for you with following through with your dreams!! My parents wanted me to go to college as soon as I graduated from H.S. but I was NOT ready. I joined the military. That's an option, they pay 100 percent, but there is always the chance you might get sent to Iraq or something.
Other options are loans, grants, scholarships. Go talk to your guidance counselor or somebody besides your parents about these options. I'm sure you'll be happier when you are doing what you love. I am going to hopefully become a counselor one of these days too! Best wishes!~
I think a lot will change over the next few years. When I was 15 I wanted to go to med shcool and become a doctor, I ended up becoming an architect instead because I changed my mind.
I was really lucky because my parents were behind me 100% and did everything they could to help. It's going to be so difficult for you to study without the back up from your parents.
When you're 18 if you still want to do counselling I think your parents will support you, right now they're probably doing what they think is best for you. If they can see how determined you are I'm sure they'll change their mind.
Good luck.
You have to go to 4 years undergrad school first, so you could tell them you are considering med school. The first few years of undergrad you are taking the basic classes anyway, so by the time you are a junior or senior and have to apply to med school, you can rely on student loans to finish up your undergrad studies.
It's too early for you to start worrying about that now. Who knows, by the time you're ready to go to college you may want to study medicine after all.
But even if you don't, you'll be able to talk to the financial counselors and see what your options are.
Right now you need to concentrate on keeping your grades up and enjoying high school.
But don't EVER give up on your dreams (and maybe by then you can convince your parents that being a counselor is what would really make you happy. I'm a parent so I know that I just want to see my kids doing something that they are happy doing.).
Financial aid. Plenty of it out there that goes unused every year. Work study once you are in college to help with other expenses. Don't be silly and want to live off campus. It is cheaper to live on campus. Hopefully you can get a academic scholarship that will pay a hefty amount of your tuition. With that being said, you will have to maintain a certain GPA to keep it. I would definitely be choosy about the school you go to if you have to fend for yourself. Don't do a private school. That will cost a whole blood clot lot. Word to ODB(R.I.P). You may want to do a 2 year college to start off. Make sure that you go to one that you can transfer your credits to a 4 year school. You do have time and hopefully your parents will get their heads out of their arses by then.
talk with your guidance counselor at school first chance you get, let her know your plans and dreams and what your parents are threatening you with... there are numerous grants, loans and scholarships available! then follow-through... also, you might want to make sure your "resume" is filled with extra curricular activities and clubs, too, so that the colleges you are interested in see that you are a well-rounded student, as well as an intelligent one... find out all you can about the colleges you are interested in so that you can plan well for the challenges you will face with finances and entrance requirements... consider taking some of the transferable courses at your local community college during your junior and senior years to help with controlling the costs... I'd also recommend that you talk with someone who does the work you are interested in, find out what degrees are required, and all that you can about the pros and cons for that career; if possible, even job shadow or find a mentor... i applaud your determination, and promise you, it's certainly do-able! (i worked my way through college, after my parents told me my senior year they weren't able to help with the expenses... it was hard, but so so worth it!) go for it, and persevere and remember, this too shall pass! you also might want to try talking with your parents and letting them know why you feel so strongly about your decision and show them you are sincere! consider volunteering with an agency that works with teens... i wish you well!
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