Currently a senior in high school and just thinking about which colleges to apply to. Money is really tight, I don’t have any college savings (thanks to my parents) but I would really like to go to a four year just to get started.
I have pretty decent grades. Ranked 5 in 430, about 4.5 weighted gpa, 31 act, 2040 sat
Considering applying to some uc’s, cal poly slo, and cal state Fullerton. (This is not a chance me)
I know these schools are competitive but thinking I might have a chance at a type of academic scholarship at cal state Fullerton.
Sorry, just wanted to provide some background info. So the deal is I wouldn’t mind going to a community college for a year or two to knock off my general eds (and I do have some ap credit so hopefully that’ll help) and to save a good amount of money.
I am applying for Fafsa and I think my family is eligible for the blue and gold program at the uc schools which guarantees full tuition, but I’d really like to dorm. (I’m not saying I’d get in just theoretically)
The problem is I just don’t want to stay at home, my parents constantly fight and I live in a small condo where i share a room with my brother (he goes to cal state Fullerton) and it’s just hard to study and I really need to get out.
But I know most community colleges don’t offer housing.
I just would like to know some benefits of community college versus a four year university or the other way around?
Does anyone regret going to the community college or four year university?
Sorry this is so long, I really dreamed of moving out to a four year university in a year and I don’t think this will happen which is a little disappointing.
I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst staying at home for a year to save money for the future but I just feel really cramped at home and my family issues are getting worse (parents fighting more and more, bad financial situation). I think it would be best for my happiness to take a break from this but then again I might have to take out a loan and go in debt.
Thanks so much for reading this if you did and providing any help or suggestions!
Apply to the UCs and the CSUs. Cal grants and other university funds may cover your fees and room and board if you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Make sure that Cal Grant is in before the March deadline.
Your best university aid will be for your freshman year. If you go the community college route and then transfer, there might be less funding depending on your parents finances. The most and best financial aide comes the first year.
Community college will save you a lot of money for two years, but there are no guarantees where you can transfer to if grades or finances are harsh.
Also run the Net price calculators for the schools on your list to see your eventual costs. You will get an idea if these schools will be affordable. You do have a chsnce at the Presidential scholarship at CSUF, so good luck.
If you do have to stay home and go to cc - are there not places nearby, outside your home, where you can hang out and study? Library, both at cc and public, coffeehouses, all-night diners like Denny’s and iHop, outside on a park picnic table on a nice fall or spring day…
And, what aunt bea said. My own research also indicates that the most money is often give to incoming freshmen and not transfers. Go ahead and apply to 4-year universities and try to get a scholarship for all four years.
Consider also applying to schools where you would be among the top applicants, and have a chance at half, or even full tuition scholarships.
Keep in mind that if you’re targeting either a UC or CSU, your community college time would take a minimum of two years (60 semetser unites or 95 quarter unites), as lower division transfers are not accepted.
You could transfer to a private school after one year, but as someone mentioned above, the best Financial Aid goes to freshman.