<p>I've been accepted to GS, which I've deferred to Fall 2013 for various reasons. I'm extremely excited about going, but it's ridiculously expensive, and I'm now trying to see how I might be able to make this work.</p>
<p>Therefore, I was wondering if any of the current/past students would have any tips or stories to share about how you're managing to afford GS... </p>
<p>Specifically, I'd greatly appreciate any:
(1) Tips on finding part-time work around Columbia/in NYC, (I'd also be very grateful for any info on what you guys have done so far, for inspiration/ideas),
(2) Info on which bank you've gotten your loans from (/which have been good or which to avoid in particular), and
(3) Info on what sort of GPA is generally required to qualify for merit-based scholarships, and how generous those scholarships tend to be.</p>
<p>Thank you guys so much!!!!! </p>
<p>ps. On a totally different note, (... I might start another thread on this...), I'd also be very grateful for any info on how hard Calc I, Calc III and Intro to Stats B (the 3 compulsory math classes for an Econ concentration) are. I haven't done math since high school (more than half a decade ago!!!) so I'm a little worried. Does anyone have a copy of/know where I can find a copy of a past-year exam paper just so I can see what I'm up against/ if an Econ concentration would be at all feasible? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m starting my first semester at Columbia in a few weeks. I’ve taken Calc I, II, and III at U Texas over 10 years ago so the “statute of limitations” for those classes have expired at Columbia. I have to retake them again. If you want to information on classes, culpa.info is a good website. It gives course reviews and professor reviews. I can’t tell you from personal experience since I have yet to take them, but give the website a try.</p>
<p>My strategy was to work enough to cover my living expenses and to only borrow what I needed to pay any tuition and fees not covered by scholarships and financial aid. I was able to get two jobs - one work-study job on campus and one job out in the city - and I managed to do it.</p>
<p>It was a huge sacrifice and I regret not being able to be on campus more, meet more awesome GS people, and learn more from the Columbia community in general. But, that old adage is true: either live like a student now or live like a student later. Now that my grace period has run out on my student loans, I’m really happy that I didn’t borrow money to pay my living expenses. </p>
<p>All that said, federal loans are generally the best. You’ll get the best and most flexible repayment terms from the government. If you’re a New York State resident you can also apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). If you’re not a New York resident, don’t even bother trying to become one - they’ve designed it so that you basically can’t be eligible for residency, and therefor financial aid, if you’ve moved to the Empire State within a couple of years of starting school.</p>
<p>Private loans are almost all bad. Inflexible terms and high interest rates, even for well-qualified borrowers, are the new normal. Search out scholarships relentlessly.</p>
<p>hellojan - I’m not a NY resident, unfortunately - but thanks for the advice! </p>
<p>Also, working two (!!) jobs and managing to not borrow any extra $ for living expenses sounds both crazy and encouraging. I’m glad to hear that it can be done!!</p>
<p>As far as jobs on campus go, there are a TON of different ways to find them. There are many that are casual employment, many that are work-study only, and many that hire both types of employees. I currently have two part time jobs on campus that significantly help me afford the cost of living in NYC and help offset the debt I’m getting into. First, there are websites such as LionShare, which lists tons of employment, internship, and research opportunities on campus and in NYC at large. Additionally, there is a work-study databank that you can access. Both of these resources are found on the Columbia website. </p>
<p>As far as the overall cost of tuition, it affects everybody differently. My first questions to you would be, “What are your plans for after graduation?” In other words, do you plan on having a decent paying career, or go into a field that may not be lucrative enough to manage the debt you will incur? I would approach this question the same way I would approach making any other high dollar item. Do your research, find out if it fits with what you are looking for, and try your best not to experience buyers remorse after the fact. Personally, GS is the best decision I’ve ever made, and I wouldn’t take it back for the world.</p>