August is just weeks away! For some of you that means your’e just weeks away from finally getting out of the nest and going off to college. If that’s you, don’t get too excited. Adulthood has finally started. In just a matter on two months you have managed to go from asking to leave the class to use the bathroom, to asking for loans, insurance, and much much more. Let alone picking the college you want to go to. In saying that, I thought I would help with college first. Its expensive. Being that I may even have to take a semester or two off because of how expensive it is, I thought that I would share with you guys three big things I wish I looked at before starting school!!
1. 21st Century Scholars and Scholarships
This in itself can save thousands!!!! Granted this is only in Indiana, I am sure that other states may have a similar system. For more information on your state click on this link, and see what your state has to offer! 21st century scholars is a program where you can get it if your household makes a certain budget that would make paying for college a little bit challenging. Trust me, asking for help becomes your middle name in college and it totally okay. It takes a village to get that important piece of paper that your future employer will seek.
You generally apply in middle school, but sometimes parents do it themselves without even realizing they’ll get qualified. When accepted, pending this foundation is in your area (only found it so far in midwest), it can often cover your full tuition!!! Thousands of money saved! It also makes sure that you plan your classes correctly and keeps you motivated to keep that grant with your GPA! Just saying….
2. Check Cost of Attendance
This is something surprisingly people don’t do. Money doesn’t fall from the sky as much as we wish it does. Cost of Attendance, of COA, is something you can find on the school of your interest website regarding how much it will cost you to attend a full year.
Most students can get so excited about their dream school that they forget costs. Make sure to realize that scholarships are there, but for some students who are right in the middle as far as grades and annual income, its very easy to get passed over. Did you know that most 4 year institutions charge a general fee. Mine is currently $500. Along with the $5000 for tuition, the $100 for lab fees, $200 for the fee to just buy a book, and much much more that I didn’t even think about. Before transferring I lived in a dorm. The dorm was $10,000. Yes, ten thousand dollars! Tears were shed often paying the monthly bill of $1000 AFTER MY financial aid was taken out.
Making sure that you can afford going to the school of your choice is very important. I don’t want anyone to go through the heartbreak of having to leave the college of your dreams simply because you can’t afford it. Choose wisely! I promise if you save enough or pick up a scholarship along the way of a grant, you can stay or go to the college of your choice. If you’re curious, here is how most colleges figure out their COA.
3. Apply for FASFA, then save, save, save!
I am always surprised when I hear people screaming with excitement about going to college, and then watching as their face turns to horror at the realization that they missed the FASFA deadline. Or completely forget or don’t know what FASFA is. All I can say about that is to research, research, research. For some families, which is completely understandable and such a blessing, FASFA is just not a necessity. That’s awesome!
For those of us that it goes along with the plan, FASFA is basically a federal loan along with possible grants and work studies that the government gives you to help you get your degree. The number one thing I can say for those of us who actually use FASFA….KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ACCEPTING. Some money that they can give you, you have to pay back! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! By clicking here, you can learn the answers to the biggest questions most students have. It took me a while to understand it. But you got this!!
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There you have it you future college students!! I really hope this was helpful during your time of preparation to start the school year with a bang. Hopefully the bang won’t hurt you or your parents bank account too much!
I know this may be overwhelming for some, especially those who are finding their way on their own. Trust me, doing it financially on your own can be very stressful. As I am now learning doing things by myself this year. But it’s okay! Need a break? Take a break! A successful person isn’t made in a day. Some take years! More than 4!! GO at your pace to make your dreams happen! Just don’t hurt your bank and your credit! Congrats fellow college attendees!! May your academic career be extraordinary!
