2 answers
Emma
Student
Cary, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
165 views
How can I live in the moment, and fully enjoy my college experience, with the threat of financial burden looming overhead, and how can I start to financially support my education while being a full-time student??
I am from a middle class family in a considerably wealthy area. This makes it difficult for me to qualify for any grants and most scholarship opportunities. Any advice on how to find scholarship sites or programs that are actually worth it is much appreciated!
Login to comment
2 answers
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Emma! Good question. My parents got divorced during my senior year, I had to move out of the house and find housing and get into college kinda on my own, and with little to no financial help. I got cheap but safe housing, at least one job, and enrolled my first year at the local community college. I banged out general, required courses, which were cheaper at the community college, but still transferred just the same at the university level.
After one year, I transferred to the University of Oregon. I joined a fraternity and washed dishes which took half off my rent & food, so there's more savings. I didn't have the grades for scholarships, but I was eligible for "work study" programs; easy, decent-paying campus jobs like checking IDs in a lab while doing your class homework. In addition to washing dishes, work study, I also took additional part-time jobs in retail, campus security and restaurants. Yes, I was busy and my grades weren't as good as they could have been. But I graduated! I made sacrifices to get that diploma, but I still got it -- and yes, I still managed to "fully enjoy my college experience"! Sometimes prolly too much!
You'll need to hustle, manage your time very wisely, and look closer into tuition assistance programs like work study. Be ready to fill out paperwork and re-apply every term or year. It's tedious, but it can put in your pocket. Take everything offered that you're eligible for. After about a year of figuring it out financially, it becomes easier to put together money for another term, another year. Between a couple of jobs, tuition assistance, some grants, you can have the fun college experience and walk away with a degree. Good luck, Emma!
After one year, I transferred to the University of Oregon. I joined a fraternity and washed dishes which took half off my rent & food, so there's more savings. I didn't have the grades for scholarships, but I was eligible for "work study" programs; easy, decent-paying campus jobs like checking IDs in a lab while doing your class homework. In addition to washing dishes, work study, I also took additional part-time jobs in retail, campus security and restaurants. Yes, I was busy and my grades weren't as good as they could have been. But I graduated! I made sacrifices to get that diploma, but I still got it -- and yes, I still managed to "fully enjoy my college experience"! Sometimes prolly too much!
You'll need to hustle, manage your time very wisely, and look closer into tuition assistance programs like work study. Be ready to fill out paperwork and re-apply every term or year. It's tedious, but it can put in your pocket. Take everything offered that you're eligible for. After about a year of figuring it out financially, it becomes easier to put together money for another term, another year. Between a couple of jobs, tuition assistance, some grants, you can have the fun college experience and walk away with a degree. Good luck, Emma!
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
119
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Consider exploring community organizations that offer scholarships to students with excellent grades. My son received an Eagle Scout scholarship from the regional council because of his outstanding high school performance. He also applied for another community scholarship and got it, which helped cover his first year at a state college. Even if you don't have a financial need, many organizations still reward students who qualify for their awards.
While it can be challenging, finding a part-time job could also help with tuition and other expenses. Balancing your class load, a part-time job, and enjoying college life are all important parts of your journey.
Starting college might feel overwhelming, but stay strong and strategic. You've got this, and you'll do great!
While it can be challenging, finding a part-time job could also help with tuition and other expenses. Balancing your class load, a part-time job, and enjoying college life are all important parts of your journey.
Starting college might feel overwhelming, but stay strong and strategic. You've got this, and you'll do great!