Okay, so basically I have this friend who goes to Fordham University in NYC and has a full-tuition scholarship, studies abroad, and travels all the time, and I’m jealous.
I graduated from Community College with an Honors A.S. in Computer Science (Graduating GPA: 3.67), and I am currently halfway to a B.S. in Computer Science and Theatre at the University of Maryland, College Park (Current GPA: 4.0), and I cannot cover my entire tuition, even with scholarships.
I believe my studious academic performance warrants more than that, and perhaps warrants living in a cool place like NYC, not having to worry about tuition, and traveling, etc.
Does anyone know of any scholarships or programs that I could seek out that could give me a slice of what my friend has? I’m not above transferring to another university. I already feel undervalued by UMD for a multitude of other reasons.
Wait, so you’re already enrolled at UMD? In that case, you’re not going to get more in merit. There’s a possibility you get more need-based aid, but not merit.
Stop comparing your academic and financial situations to someone else you know. Just full stop there.
UMD does not guarantee to meet full need for all accepted students. So...your need based aid is what it is.
UMD has some merit awards but they are HIGHLY competitive and most are for entering freshmen only, not transfer students.
Your comment about living in NY because it’s a cool place...makes you sound very entitled.
If UMD is not affordable, why did you enroll there?
And again I say…forget about your friend. Whatever he or she has is not relevant to what you might be able to get money wise as a transfer student. Being jealous is a waste of time.
It sounds to me as though you can’t afford the university you have chosen. It’s up to you to pursue scholarships, of which there are many. Too many to list here. You can check out tips from a user called @CourtneyThurston who’s earned tens of thousands in scholarships. It sounds as though you already have some scholarships. You can work to offset your costs. You can transfer to a cheaper school. You can ask your parents for money and take out student loans.
Your friend has zero relevance to your situation. Your situation is your situation.
At this time, your best bet for scholarships may be from your department or from an organization related. There are some scholarships for theater majors listed in the drama magazine.
So I get what your saying actually. Well… If you continue to work hard, get good grades and set yourself apart on campus in a few years you can move to New Your especially with your degree. You might not be able to afford it but you will have that choice. The traveling your friend is doing… Is it paid by the school? Well, right now not many are traveling anyway. But you could take a bike ride or car ride (if your state allows it) somewhere special for you.
Really not worth transferring now since your kicking it at your school
Just finish your program up and move on. Becoming an adult challenges you in certain circumstances. Nothing you wrote warrants anyone giving you more money.
The reality is that no matter how cool you think NYC is, the chance of you getting a full tuition scholarship, and an affordable option is slim and none.
Outside of Columbia, there are no schools in NYC that meet 100% demonstrated need (the hurdle for Columbia would be getting in). Since you are already a junior at Maryland, there is no need to make any more transfers. You need to look at options for making it work: are you looking for departmental scholarships that may reward you on your academic performance?
At this stage, get your degree, move forward with the possibility of living in NY (where the rent is too high).
@Knowsstuff nails it: “Becoming an adult challenges you in certain circumstances. Nothing you wrote warrants anyone giving you more money.”
Look inward. Mute your friend for a bit. Hold tight to all you have been able to do, and will do under your own speed as you go forward. Ice cream and walks in the sun.
Well you could try to apply to Fordham and see if you get the same scholarships as your friend did. But if you can afford University of Maryland and you’re doing well there, is it worth it?
This is a bad time for traveling anywhere. But when things get back to normal, there are many high school teachers who lead trips abroad as a side line of work. They always need extra adults to supervise their students. Many have all they need, but sometimes they are looking for extra adult supervisors. If you make a concerted effort to ask around, you may find such an opportunity. You might even get paid, but as long as your expenses are covered, I think you’re ahead of the game. The affluent suburbs around College Park is a good place to start looking because these kinds of educational trips are more commonly found at affluent high schools both public and private.
Or you could join the foreign service. Or get a temp job on a cruise ship. Or look for a summer job in a foreign country. Or at a National Park. Or sign up for a service project, for which Fordham is well known. Or join Habitat for Humanity. Or join the Peace Corps after college. There are many opportunities for Americans to teach English as a Second Language in foreign countries. I know many who have done this. Or sign up to study a semester abroad. I found this was cheaper even with airline tickets than the same semester back here in the states. There must be a million ways to do what your friend is doing if you start brainstorming.
Fordham does not have any full tuition scholarships for transfers.
I am willing to bet $ that his friend went to Fordham as an incoming freshman. However, there is nothing about the friend’s situation that will help op in his/her situation. Comparing your self to your friend any being jealous are a waste of time and emotion (it does not speak well of your character)
Op needs to put some binders on and run their own race and try to make the best of the hand they are dealt.
Any type of institutional ais is only for 4 years (unless you are admitted into an approved 5 year program). If op is contemplating transferring it will be pretty much a certainty that s/he will not graduate on time and will run out of money.
The best aid goes to freshmen, not transfer students. Low income students generally have to follow the money so many end up at commuter schools. Unfortunately, many don’t know that aid might have been available somewhere until it’s too late to get freshmen grants.
The best you can do now is to see if there are schools that offer grants to transfers. If your parents can’t pay much than it will be difficult to find an affordable school. But it doesn’t hurt to look. Your reason for transferring would have to be well thought out. I’m jealous of my friend and want someone to pay my way won’t be a compelling reason.
You should also take a close look at your school to see what they offer. Are you sure UMD College Park doesn’t offer any study abroad programs or other perks (department grants, summer research)?
The OP says he or she can’t afford the costs of UMD either. And he is already a CC transfer to that school. Transferring again isn’t the answer. He needs to talk to his academic advisor. Perhaps he needs to try to get a full time job and go to school part time. Perhaps he needs a leave of absence to hopefully work and save money.
But I have to ask…if UMD was not affordable…why did you transfer there to begin with?