<p>My father has been telling me since I was six that I had nothing to worry about when it came time for me to go to college. Thus, I didn't worry. I worked hard in school, and wanted to get a job, but neither parent (they're divorced) ever wanted me to. When it came time to fill out financial aid forms my dad started getting upset when ever I mentioned it, making me think that he never really had money saved for my college years. So now I am somewhat screwed. I can't submit financial aid info if he doesn't give me anything to submt, and when I ask him for it he dodges my questions or ignores me for weeks. I can't ask my mom for her info instead b/c she says that when she tried to put me on her taxes or something she got a letter back saying that I was already on his taxes. I'm filling out every scholarship I come across, and I'm also trying to get a part time job immediately. My interviewer to one of the schools i was accepted to told me to not even worry about financial aid b/c the degree that I got from that school would pay back any loans I had in a matter of a few years. One of the schools I got into is giving me a 3/4 tuition ONLY scholarship, but i REALLY REALLY want to go to the other school.<br>
Should I just give up and go to the school that's going to give me 3/4 or should i take my interviewers advice and take out loans?<br>
Better yet, do y'all think I can still apply for financail aid to any school (if i get my dad to cooperate that is)?</p>
<p>I really think you should contact the school's financial aid office, and explain to them your situation. Don't just give up and go to a school you don't really want to go to, and don't just take loans out, either. You'd probably qualify for aid if your parents filled out forms; now, you need to find out what the proper procedure is from the college you really want to go to.</p>
<p>Whether or not your dad does cooperate, you can only get real information from the schools you applied to. I believe there are non-custodial waivers; perhaps you could look into that.</p>
<p>Thanks!
I called today but the phone lines were all busy......I gonna try 2morrow too.</p>
<p>quick question: What exactly are grants? Do you apply for them like you do scholarships OR do schools give them to you? Also, IF I were to write letters to companies, what companies should I target? Like small businesses OR businesses like Burger King?
Thanks again! :)</p>
<p>Are you a senior? If so, you need to talk to your GC and tell him what you told us and see if he will schedule a meeting with your father and mother, separately if necessary to give them the scoop. You will not get any financial aid if you don't have your custodial parent fill out the FAFSA. He needs his tax info and he needs to sit down and fill out the form. You GC will likely have a hard copy for him to complete, and then he can go online to get this done. Whichever parent is custodial is the one who needs to start this process. Unless your parents are willing and able to pay the entire cost of the college.</p>
<p>I don't know where you are thinking of going to college, but I don't think kids should borrow more than what the govt guidelines for student loans say. Having spent years paying mine back, I can tell you that it is not that easy to do. I know a young lady who is borrowing $60K plus to go to business college, and I am nearly certain this is going to be a real monkey on her back. That school told her the same thing. I think they need a reprimand of sorts, because it is simply not true. Though there are times heavy loans may be warrented, that is a last resort, and the borrower should fully understand the burden of loan payment, particularly for large loans. I think you need your counselor, a minister, someone to intervene--perhaps the financial aid office of this college can sit with your parent and help fill out the forms.</p>