<p>I got accepted into a small boarding school semester program that costs $20k. My "home" school tuition would be $10k for the other semester (its a day school). So I'm looking at a $30k bill for the year. I got denied financial aid from both schools. What are some other options I have as far as raising money and getting financial resources. I know there is a ton of stuff out there for college students, but what about high school students?</p>
<p>You have a few possibilities. </p>
<p>First – get a job. I am not kidding – get one job (or two) during the summer and save your money. Even if you work 30 hours a week at Taco Bell and 20 hours a week at McDonalds, you could earn $5000 in a 12 week summer. </p>
<p>Second – what do you own that you could sell? Clothes you no longer wear, sports equipment, DVDs, video games, etc. Ebay and craigslist are the perfect place to get some money for these items. Your parents may have items that they would be willing for you to sell and let you keep the money.</p>
<p>Finally --approach small, local organizations and ask for some support. Don’t ask unless you have followed suggestions one and two. No one wants to give money to someone who doesn’t value the experience enough to work to pay for it. I would also suggest you approach local organizations whose mission aligns with the program you are attending. </p>
<p>If this is something you truly want, you can make it happen. And don’t think that you need to attend some pricey summer program to look good to colleges – spending the summer earning money so that you can attend a semester program you feel is valuable is far more impressive than four weeks volunteering in Kenya. It shows determination, perseverance, dedication and maturity. 4 weeks in Kenya paid for by mom and dad demonstrates a sense of entitlement.</p>