art school loans!

<p>hello, good evening. i need some advice given my situation:</p>

<ul>
<li>i am estimating a 13K need for the '09-'10 year <unmet on="" tuition,="" living,="" supplies,="" etc=""></unmet></li>
<li>seeking private loans</li>
<li>no co-signer</li>
<li>average credit (i'm still a full-time student) 747</li>
</ul>

<p>i really really want to make this work. i am transferring to my dream art school, finally, and my single parent refuses to co-sign. i've gotten the maximum amount of scholarship for a transfer and already have federal loans but still have unmet need. i am applying for outside scholarships as well. </p>

<p>so far i've been applying through different sites for the loans, and you need a co-signer. what can i do? i need to go to this school; not only have i wanted to since i was 9, but my degree will be worth something. i put off going to this school because i worried about taking out loans but i've realized how important the right program is.</p>

<p>thank you! </p>

<p>p.s. i'd rather post here than the finaid section, thanks for understanding.</p>

<p>Have you spoken with the financial aid officer at this art school? They may be able to help you out re: the loans you need. </p>

<p>Are you a member of a credit union? Even if not, you may want to speak to the credit union in your home state, as you should be eligible to join, and they may be able to help you out re: the loans.</p>

<p>I’m not sure you’re going to be able to resolve the co-signer issue, but if you’ve to have any chance at all at doing so, please speak directly to a knowledgeable person in the financial aid office asap. </p>

<p>You may also want to have a very close look at your unmet need. Some of it is for tuition - how much? Can you come up with just that much? If so, then don’t take out a loan for the full amount of unmet need. Don’t take it out for for living expenses and supplies. Instead, get a job once you get to school - ideally in a place that sells art supplies, so you can use your employee discount (yes, an art store would be nice, but WalMart would also work. Don’t be picky.) But only go this route if you’re going to school in a place where there are jobs. Don’t do this if you’re going to school in a place where part-time jobs are hard to come by! </p>

<p>Also, since you’re a transfer student, speak to your art school about the possibility of becoming a resident assistant in the dorms. These are people who live on a hall and organize programs for the students, and act as a resource. The positions are reserved for upperclassmen, and often, come with free room. I did this. It saved my financial life. </p>

<p>If you’re desperate; if it gets to the point where you’ve exhausted all resources, you could consider joining the National Guard in the state where you’ll be going to school. They’ll pay for your schooling, and give you a small income. You do a weekend a month, plus a couple of weeks per year, and of course, you could get called up - so there’s a risk there - but if all else fails, it is an option.</p>