3 answers
Mera
Student
Romeoville, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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So... what do I do? #Spring25
I am attending a fairly prestigious university this fall and I have confidence it will help me succeed. However, the financial aid I received is not as helpful as I had hoped. Not to toot my own horn, but I've always been a smart kid and it feels much more fitting to me to take on this challenge than to save money at community college because I need to make myself competitive for grad school. I already emailed their financial aid office to ask for a little more help and they gave me the stereotypical "all offers are final" response. I know most private loans are very predatory so if anyone has suggestions on those or any other scholarships to check out please let me know! #Spring25
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
College Foundations connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, engineering or radiology, or students who might be hispanic in ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend),and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, engineering or radiology, or students who might be hispanic in ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend),and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
Jane Doe
20
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi, Mera! Congrats on your acceptance! That’s a huge accomplishment and a strong foundation for your future goals. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when the financial aid package isn’t quite enough, especially when you’re committed to making your education work.
Since the financial aid office mentioned their offers are final, one good step is to keep applying for outside scholarships. Resources like Fastweb or the College Board’s scholarship search can help you find awards that match your background, interests, or field of study. Additionally, some universities offer extra scholarships or emergency funds after enrollment, so it’s worth checking with your department or student services.
If you do need to borrow, federal student loans are generally safer than private loans due to fixed rates and flexible repayment options. Private loans can be more complicated, so if you consider them, make sure to compare terms carefully and see if a cosigner might help you get better rates. Many schools also offer payment plans that let you spread tuition costs over several months, which could ease immediate financial pressure.
Don’t overlook part-time work or on-campus jobs, which can provide income while fitting around your schedule. Sometimes, a polite, detailed follow-up with the financial aid office explaining your situation and commitment may also lead to reconsideration, especially if your circumstances have changed. Best of luck!
Since the financial aid office mentioned their offers are final, one good step is to keep applying for outside scholarships. Resources like Fastweb or the College Board’s scholarship search can help you find awards that match your background, interests, or field of study. Additionally, some universities offer extra scholarships or emergency funds after enrollment, so it’s worth checking with your department or student services.
If you do need to borrow, federal student loans are generally safer than private loans due to fixed rates and flexible repayment options. Private loans can be more complicated, so if you consider them, make sure to compare terms carefully and see if a cosigner might help you get better rates. Many schools also offer payment plans that let you spread tuition costs over several months, which could ease immediate financial pressure.
Don’t overlook part-time work or on-campus jobs, which can provide income while fitting around your schedule. Sometimes, a polite, detailed follow-up with the financial aid office explaining your situation and commitment may also lead to reconsideration, especially if your circumstances have changed. Best of luck!
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
136
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Mera,
I wanted to push back on a point you made around not attending community college as it would make you less competitive as a grad school applicant. I don't believe that is true. I am a proud community college transfer student with many friends who took the same route. None of them have been seen as less competitive because of this fact. Some of them have gone to prestigious grad schools, law schools, and medical schools. If anything, I think it makes you more competitive! It shows you are resilient and can adapt to different types of environments.
I share this not to start an argument but to help you make an informed decision!
I wanted to push back on a point you made around not attending community college as it would make you less competitive as a grad school applicant. I don't believe that is true. I am a proud community college transfer student with many friends who took the same route. None of them have been seen as less competitive because of this fact. Some of them have gone to prestigious grad schools, law schools, and medical schools. If anything, I think it makes you more competitive! It shows you are resilient and can adapt to different types of environments.
I share this not to start an argument but to help you make an informed decision!
I do appreciate the insight, but my decision wasn't just based on prestige. My career goal is to become a Certified Anesthesia Assistant. There are only 22 programs in the U.S. for this career right now and they are VERY difficult to get into. They don't REQUIRE it, but things like jobs in patient care, research, and volunteering hours are HEAVILY weighted. The school I am going to is known for high success in the health field, with 44% of it's students typically getting into med school on their first application cycle. There's always someone with connections and the advisors are very good at helping the students get positions that make them stronger applicants. I am confident that it will be the right choice in the end to go for it and strengthen my application as much as possible.
Mera
+Also, even if I wanted to back out, it's a bit too late for me. I've already signed my housing contract and am now completely liable for my 15k of room and board. Right now my primary focus is determining the best private loan company because it is kind of unavoidable at this point unfortunately. My career will pay back very quickly! The debt I'm taking on is just kind of terrifying as someone who by no means has "enough" money.
Thank you so much again for your input though, I do appreciate it! I do think community college would have been a good choice but no risk no reward right? LOL
Mera
+ALSO also (sorry for the sheer amount of words I'm spewing- I have a lot of context to provide haha) I've been applying for 1 scholarship per day. New rule I've set for myself. I know it's not guaranteed to win anything but I'm a fairly strong writer and if I keep it up I have a feeling it'll help somehow, even if I only get $1000 total.
Mera
Thank you for all the context and I understand the situation a lot better now! Congrats on committing to a school. While I can't speak too much on loans, I do have some advice around scholarships.
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
It sounds like you're already putting in the work (a scholarship a day is ambitious and I really hope it pays off) but I would encourage you to apply to local scholarships if you aren't already. Local scholarships guarantee less competition versus national options. For example, check with your high school to see if they know of anything, speak with local businesses in either your area of wherever your college is located. I received a scholarship from my high school because the local cement mixing company partnered with the school to help fund education for students. Hopefully, someone else can give you perspective on loans!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Yes, thank you! My school's guidance department has been sending us all the local scholarships they can find and I've applied to all the ones I was eligible for. Unfortunately my area is kind of small and mostly a factory town so there aren't a lot of scholarships around, and there aren't any offered by my job either. But I am hoping my work will pay off!! Even in small amounts LOL. I actually just won $200 as part of my school's outstanding percussionist award so I'm taking that as a good sign 🤞
Mera