How to pay?

<p>I hate to be a downer, but how are you going to deal with being a nursing major if you haven't been able to attend high school classes? It's physically demanding work and having to attend various clinical sites, somtimes at off-hours, might be problematic. I'm hoping your medical problems are something that's in the past and won't effect you in college.</p>

<p>For others interested in nursing who may read this thread...if you can get into a community college nursing program, hospitals will pay 100% of your tuition towards BSN or MSN. Money should never keep anyone from becoming an RN.</p>

<p>Which school is this with the great scholarship? Carlow or Duquesne?</p>

<p>Neither. Carlow and Duquesne are both much more expensive than $21,000 a year.</p>

<p>Just wanted to say keep searching for scholarships. We're in a similar situation - my DS has had 18 surgeries and has chronic medical problems (and he misses a lot of school). Our income is low since I stopped working to take care of him - just picking him up from school all those days he needed to leave, or going to drs or therapy, etc. We also have had very high medical bills forever. That is important. We also have never gone on a "real" vacation, drive old cars, need major house repairs, etc. Others that have been blessed with good health really can't imagine the lifestyle we live. Our own family and friends have no idea.</p>

<p>Someone implied you wouldn't be able to keep up with college demands. A college atmosphere allows more flexibility: you can start classes a bit later if early mornings are bad for you or have a break during the day. In general, most kids only take 2-3 classes per day. For some people, sitting at a desk for 8 hrs (like in HS) can be a problem. That is rarely the case in college. In college, you'll spend less time in class and can schedule your study time around your need for rest. BEWARE that some colleges have strict attendance policies regardless of medical needs so check in that. </p>

<p>Do a search for scholarships based on your diagnosis or "overcoming obstacles." My son already won a few of these like Discover Card. Most do not require high academic stats, btw. Essays are necessary though. I believe the Toyota scholarship might still be open (need service which I think you mentioned). Look for local scholarships through groups like ELKS. If you can get a few $1000 or $2500 scholarships, they will add up to a nice sum that takes the pressure off. </p>

<p>Your income is much higher than ours so that may limit you (like the Horatio Alger scholarship has a $50,000 cutoff) but make sure you mention the high medical expenses. Our EFC was quite low when my DD began college but her school does not cover full need. We pay probably 2X our EFC but it's still less than our state U costs. Some of the private schools did make adjustments based on our high medical costs. Be ready to document how much is spent per yr (helps to back it up with #s on your tax returns). My DD's school awarded her several thousand more after we appealed. So, when you get your initial letters, don't feel that is the end. Write up a nice letter detailing your situation and ask for them to reconsider your award. And keep looking for outside scholarships. Beware, some schools will LOWER your Financial aid by the amount of the outside scholarships. ASK them!</p>

<p>And congrats on such a big improvement in your SATs.</p>

<p>Oh duh sorry I thought you meant $32,000 per year. Now that would be a great scholarship!
Also you will likely be looking at better job opportunities (summer internships, co-ops) for a higher wage once you are in school which will help.</p>

<p>JerzGrlMom,</p>

<p>I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who is in this situation. The thing is people who are ill have to work twice as hard to maintain a high GPA and get high test scores. My school already told my parents that they will accomodate me in every way possible and since I received the best academic scholarship offered I have also been invited into the Honors College! It's just so nice to have some good news for once, you know. Thank you for your kind words and wish your son the best from me, he deserves it. :)</p>

<p>phew! that took a long time to read through... I wish you the very best Maura, I always thought those who had been sick would made the best doctors or nurses... I understand why you would be upset by some people's comments on here, but you can do it!!!! you seem very dedicated so best of luck!</p>

<p>"My school already told my parents that they will accomodate me in every way possible and since I received the best academic scholarship offered I have also been invited into the Honors College!"</p>

<p>More wonderful news! Thanks for sharing. I'm so happy for you!</p>