In a sticky situation at Knox

Parents Forum
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<p>This is honestly really killing me. I knew this may be a problem, but had no idea that the EFC would increase by 10k. I wish I could see the estimate and then apply to UGA if need be, but the application is April 1st. I’m still not sure if I even qualify, so I could call and find out. It’s just that I know for a fact that I would hate UGA. Academically and socially it would be a terrible fit. I know a lot of peers from high school there, and I don’t want to have classes with over 100 people. I am a really inquisitive person, so I cannot see that academic structure working for me. Also, one of the things I hate about Knox is the greek life and UGA is pretty big on that.</p>

<p>Also, one of the things I love about Knox is the open curriculum. For example, I am taking “Contemporary Biological Issues” for my science/math credit next term. The thing is that in Georgia after UGA/Tech the other state schools are so much easier to get into and not as good academically. My best friend at GA State tells me how easy her classes are…I get so jealous at times, but I know in the long run I’m better off here. She even thinks it’s easier than high school!</p>

<p>I know Jym knows about the Hope Scholarship, but others of you may not. In Georgia, if you get a 3.0 academic GPA when you graduate high school, you get 90% of your tuition free. Although, even the one state school I applied to the first time still would have been 13k with this scholarship (10k for room/board), so I don’t even know if I can still get Hope since I didn’t start off with it. UGA looks like it would be a lot more money without Hope. Also, one just needs a 3.2 GPA to transfer (not submitting SAT scores), but a lot of it has to do with availability. If there is no more room for transfers this fall (a lot of it seems like rolling) then I would get rejected regardless of my grades. </p>

<p>Every time I ask my mom/nana about it, they just have no idea what to do. I’m really their first child to go through this, so basically the trial and error kid. My mom went to a community college and then transferred to USF, so it’s a totally different situation. She was very smart, but went to CC to save money. In 2012, my brother was enrolled full time in the Fall Semester and part time in the Spring Semester. He is taking this Spring Semester (2013) off. </p>

<p>In 2011, he graduated high school and was just part time in the fall, so it probably wasn’t a big part of the first financial aid process. My dad was paying peanuts for him to go there to begin with. My older brother has a learning disability and is just not right for college IMO. He has always struggled with school. My younger brother (a sophomore) will probably go to UGA, but he is actually much smarter than me and is gifted. I can study hours for a test and still fail it, while he doesn’t study and still does better.</p>

<p>I really think the costs that I’m saving up for study abroad won’t help much in the long run. I have a feeling if Knox is unaffordable it will not be because of $2,000, but because of a bigger difference. I guess my reasonings for savings is that Australia costs $2,000 just to fly to and Ireland would probably be $1000 roundtrip. I also would like to have quite a bit of money to travel within the country/Europe because my parents won’t give me that much probably. I honestly hardly spend any money on living expenses at Knox. </p>

<p>If I ever need something, my mom will just buy it online for me (but that’s even rare). Not having my car at Knox has helped me spend less money, but my best friend here has one, so if I ever need to go to Walmart (haven’t gone at all yet), she can take me. But anyways, I understand what you’re saying calmom. I really do. Study abroad is just something that’s really important to me and my college adventure. I know I would benefit a lot in the long run by going abroad and experiencing two different cultures. But yes, if I had to pick between going to college or studying abroad, I’d def pick the first one. I do know one girl from hs who goes to UGA, and she is studying abroad in Cost Rica this semester as a freshman, but I do agree it would be hard to study abroad as a transfer.</p>

<p>I don’t know anyone else going through this at Knox. Maybe there are more people, but I’m not aware of their situation. I do know a lot of people who are looking to transfer, but their reasonings are not financial. One girl I know from Decatur, GA is applying to transfer to either GA State and Kennesaw. My best friend here has her whole education paid for due to her parents saving up since she was a tot, but then again she is an only child pretty much and her mom is a pharmacist, so I can understand how it’s so easy for them. Now, I wish I could be in THAT situation. That would have been ideal ha ha.</p>

<p>So, right now I’m just deciding if I should apply to UGA or not. I may call them Monday and ask if I even qualify first. I could always contact them after I get my estimate and see if they’re still accepting applications even though the deadline has passed. But I just know deep down, the school would be terrible for me. However, I rather go there than any other state school in Georgia. It doesn’t look like by applying to any other private college will help because I’ll be in this situation again next year.</p>

<p>Props to your D deb. I am seriously very nervous about tomorrow. I leave right after my final, and I feel like I am not prepared at all for my travels. I’m not a city person. I am just praying I survive Chicago…it doesn’t help that my biggest fear is dying on a plane. I’m already having panic attacks thinking about it.</p>

<p>BTW, I am far away, but that is not the reason my dad hates Knox. In fact, he wanted me to go far away. Galesburg is 13 hours from my hometown compared to South Florida (where I’m originally from) which is 10 hours away and that’s only one state away. Mass would have been around 17 hours away. So, if you look at it in that situation, it isn’t so bad. I just have no family at all in the Midwest.</p>

<p>My family is either just in Florida or New York pretty much. My dad still brings up Wheaton to this day and tells me that I should transfer there. I think part of the reason he hates Knox is that it’s just so hard to get to. Taking a 3 hour train and then a subway to Chicago isn’t exactly convenient when I could have just flown to Boston. He is from NY, so he obviously prefers the Northeast to Midwest. He was never fond of Knox to begin with and at one point refused to give me his card to pay for the deposit. However, I’m so glad I didn’t go to Wheaton because that was 3k more at the time (even though my dad said he could afford it), my logic was that it’s better to start lower than higher.</p>

<p><em>Cross-posted</em></p>

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<p>early_college, it might help you to realize that commercial flying is truly one of the SAFEST things you can do. There has not been a SINGLE fatality on a US airline flight in about four years, I believe! It is MUCH MUCH more dangerous to drive across town to get to the airport. Just keep telling yourself that as you’re sitting on the plane, waiting to take off. The dangerous part of your trip there is over!</p>

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<p>Sorry about all this. I may have missed it but what about contacting Georgia College too? Now that you have good grades at Knox, they may consider you this time. And it’s instate. About study abroad-realistically that might not work in your current financial situation. You may need to put this money you’re saving into the basics-tuition,room and board.</p>

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<p>It’s not just Knox College. The squeeze is definitely on for a lot of colleges, especially the ones without much in endowments and without enough name recognition to get a core of full pay schools. Some state schools are looking hungrily at OOS full pays because they bring in more money with the OOS supplemental tuition. A lot of schools that are not need blind for admissions are looking more at the kids who are full pay. </p>

<p>Hopefully, you can swing it next year. However, in case things don’t work out, look into what is available to you instate, locally, in terms of net cost to you and whether you are still eligible for HOPE or other such programs. In other words, know your options, inside and out. You might want to put in some transfer apps next year and see what you get from other schools, so that you are not caught at the end of the year with more cuts facing you and the choices being sitting it out or taking out the loans.</p>

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<p>EC, I don’t know what the qualifications for the HOPE are for UGA transfer students, but if you were eligible, wouldn’t commuting be your best bet for saving money?</p>

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<p>Maine- Yes, I know! My logic is that if there is a car crash then one has a good chance at surviving. However, if your plane goes down, you’re screwed. My fear never use to be this bad, but has gotten worse over the years. I’m not religious, but I pray every time I fly. </p>

<p>I think GCSU would just be as bad as a fit as UGA. It’s just based on my perception on the kids from my high school who go there. I would hate it there too. If I have to go to a state school in GA might as well just go to the flagship. GCSU isn’t even that small…it’s like 6,000 students!</p>

<p>My best friend who goes to GA State has a boyfriend who commutes from UGA, but it’s crazy. It’s an hour away without traffic (although don’t think there would be much compared to Atlanta). My other best friend went to State too, but ended up having to commute from home and it was a very big hassle on her (she is going to GGC now). It was just too much. Atlanta and Athens are about the same distance from home. In fact though, I have never even been to Athens, and I have been living in GA since 2004. There has been no reason for me to go yet. From my high school, the commute wouldn’t be as bad GAMOM, but I live an additional 15/20 minutes away from it.</p>

<p>The other thing I noticed is how hard it is to get work study at Knox. I work at a convenience store and only worked 4 hours Fall term, 7 winter term (more though with subbing), and 10 next term. So, I’m finally working my full work study. I applied in the summer, but the c-store just didn’t have many time slots available and I applied elsewhere, but didn’t hear back.</p>

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<p>Hugs to you Early_college. It IS difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to get all the info you can for options in case next year’s aid package for your junior year makes it truly undoable. I’ve seen it happen with some kids for any number of reasons. My friends were hit hard when their DD’s OOS public jacked up the OOS Differential without notice, just as their twins were entering college. Based on their projections, it was doable at 3-5% increases. That went right out the window. Other friends have kids who lost their merit awards, and the made a school unaffordable. My dear friend was in tears about having to tell her son he HAD to transfer. No way they could pay or borrow as things were going so badly at their business, to pay the cost of his private school. So he did. Graduated and is doing well. Wished he could have finished up at his first school as he love, loved it there, but when you are talking that kind of money…if it 's not there, why brow beat your parents about it. Believe me, it hurts enough when you can’t afford to get what they want.</p>

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<p>I talked to admissions and the lady (an admission officer) literally had no idea if I would qualify with my situation. However, she did say that it is a Georgia policy that students must have 30 credits WHEN THEY APPLY. Doesn’t make any sense, but okay. She gave me an email to contact and said he could answer my questions.</p>

<p>She did forward me to financial aid and yes I would still qualify for the Hope Scholarship. However, I feel like if I apply to UGA and get in now, my dad would force me to go regardless if Knox is affordable.</p>

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<p>Before you get yourself twisted up in more knots, it sounds like you need to have a frank discussion with your parents regarding finances. IIRC, its been hard to get the 2 of them together to have this discussion, but it is important so that you can plan accordingly. Make it happen when you get home.</p>

<p>Driving 40 miles to/from school is not fun but its doable, if that is your only option. But its clear it is not what you want to do. So, if you want to stay at Knox, you need to talk to your parents and see what they say is the maximum they can afford. If need be, taking a gap year and work to help with the COA is an option. Not fun options, but options.</p>

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<p>early college, did you ever check out UGA? We did - we are not GA residents and my child ended up elsewhere although applied and accepted to UGA. We loved it and met all kinds of different people when we toured. Yes it’s different from Knox but you might actually love it there too. IF you have to leave Knox.</p>

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<p>You should leave. I am in my 40’s and am still paying off my student loans. You are taking out way too much in student loans. Your major is not going to bring you in much of an income. You won’t even be able to afford the study abroad at this rate. I suspect East Coast schools might have better financial aid. It might be too late in the year though. And you cannot exactly transfer the year before you study abroad. But honestly, things like studying abroad are luxuries. Some things, you just don’t get to do.</p>

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<p>Just so everyone knows when I picked Knox it was affordable. Actually, it was on the low end of what my parents were willing to pay. My dad was willing to pay 11k for Wheaton. For all I know, Knox may give another great package. I am just worried that the EFC was 10k more than last year, but will a college really make you pay $12,000 more after one year? It just doesn’t seem like any college would do that, but who knows? </p>

<p>Right now I am just considering all my options IN CASE Knox isn’t affordable. I am hoping it is, but I’m just planning in case it isn’t. However, I do think my family can afford my EFC, but not if it’s 20k a year. Even if it’s 20k a year…that’s 12k than what we’re paying this year! Also, I know a lot of people here which are taking 30k in debt overall too or more. That’s my limit because I don’t want to take more than that, but I don’t think that’s too much to take IMO. Like I said I have one friend who is taking 25k a YEAR in loans…now that’s crazy!</p>

<p>I try to talk to my parents about it, but like calmom said I do not want to annoy my dad about it or I’ll really be transferring. He wanted me to leave regardless of money. I don’t think UGA will work out because even when you convert my credits it isn’t enough. In my heart, I think Knox was meant to be and I think everything will work out, but again you never know. </p>

<p>I don’t think applying to any other private schools would help unless it’s full need also I probably don’t even have time for the common app. UGA has a separate application. I never did check into UGA the first time because I got low SAT scores, so they would have rejected me. However, they don’t look at your SAT scores for transfer students regardless if you’re going to be a sophomore or junior. I never want to go to a big school. GCSU was the biggest school I applied to and that was 6k. All my other colleges were 1-2k CTCL’s pretty much. </p>

<p>Another thing is I just don’t like the state of Georgia. It’s just way too conservative. I’m sick of living in the Bible Belt. People are way more liberal and open minded here. Yes, I heard UGA has some liberals, but all the people I know who attend there are very conservative. I’m sick of being in the minority political wise! The admission officer who I emailed…it said on the website his favorite book is the Bible…LOL! Honestly, I lived in South Florida ten years and enjoyed it way more than I ever did Georgia. I only knew one Jewish person in my whole school, hardly any religious diversity.</p>

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<p>Unfortunately, if your EFC goes up, it is highly likely that your aid package is going to reflect this. I would suggest getting paperwork in for a transfer there just in case. With the Hope and lower costs, it would be affordable. The other thing is to take one term off next year, the first one at Knox, and use your money for a DiY abroad, and for second semester you would be able to get the full $6500 of your Stafford towards the cost of Knox. </p>

<p>I know kids who have gone abroad for a lot less than a semester’s worth of tuition. </p>

<p>Also look at what the summer rates are at Knox and maybe consider staying the next summer and try to get a WS job for that time period and getting some courses that way. Some schools offer summer courses at a discount to their students over regular tuition costs. Try to think outside of the box for some solutions.</p>

<p>But for sheer back up, I think shooting a transfer app to UGA and GS and activating the Hope is important. You don’t have to tell your dad or family about this. It’s just planning, just in case. </p>

<p>I’m glad that you are enjoying your time overall at Knox and got this time for yourself.</p>

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<p>I have no problem applying to UGA if I can. Right now, I am pretty sure I don’t have enough credits though. You need 30 credits when you apply, which I don’t have even when you translate it </p>

<p>Knox does not have any summer classes. Also, I was actually thinking about taking summer classes in Georgia, but the summer session starts in May, while Knox’s Spring Term doesn’t end until June.</p>

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<p>Do you have any AP credits? If not, apply to UG for their spring semester next year as a transfer as you will surely have it by the end of this year. Just be prepared and have some options cooking. SOmething one always should as things change ever so quickly.</p>

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<p>Okay, just called Knox’s registrar and each course is equivalent to 3 and 1/3 in semester hours, so every term would give you 10 credits. So, by the end of THIS term I would have 20. I do have 2 Knox credits for APUSH, but UGA gives 3 credits for that, so by UGA standards I would have 23 credit hours after this term, which would mean that I cannot apply. Even if you had my AP Human Geography score, which I got a 3 on (Knox doesn’t accept it, but UGA does) then it would give me 26 credits (still short). Either way I guess I cannot apply. But let’s see what the email response says.</p>

<p>Actually, the Spring Semester is due September 1st, so I would have my financial aid package by then. If Knox isn’t affordable, I can just go to GGC for the fall semester and then UGA for the spring semester. That sounds like a great back up plan! :)</p>

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<p>EC, I was sorry to read this as I have followed your story.</p>

<p>You have posted your father’s income probably increased 30k-40k in 2012.
That will certainly drive up your EFC and with your brother not being in school, and the fact that Knox does not meet 100% of need, all point to a big increase for 2013-14 school year at Knox.</p>

<p>Is taking a leave of absence a possibility? Transfers do not get same financial aid consideration as entering freshmen do.</p>

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<p>EC, can you apply to UGA as a transfer for SPRING 2014? You’ll know by June whether or not Knox is affordable for year #2, and you may be able to afford to at least attend one more trimester at Knox – that leaves you potentially out of school for a semester. You’ve picked up good retail experience with your work study job, so that might help with getting a job back home if it comes to that. </p>

<p>I think part of your stress is coming from the idea that you have to complete college in four continuous years. Obviously it would not be fun for you to live at home and work for 6 months or so – but that’s the type of thing that you have to deal with when you want something that is beyond your family’s financial means. I’m not trying to say that what you want is bad – you did far more than the average CC student to try to find a college that was both affordable to your family and a good academic fit for you. I personally think that it is a shame that the cost of college, both public and private, is moving far out of reach of the people who need the degrees the most. To me it is just one more sign of a dwindling and disempowered middle class in this country. It is not the world that I grew up in, and I shudder to think of the barriers my grandson will face.</p>

<p>But it is what it is. </p>

<p>Wait until you have an award from Knox because then you will have real number to plan around. If you had to pay $12,000 this year and $20,000 next, that is $8000. Your $2000 in savings would help – it would cut the difference down to $6000. </p>

<p>Knox did give you merit aid coming in, and you have a strong GPA – so it may be that they will continue to give you preferential aid packaging, even if your year #2 package is not as strong as year #1.</p>

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<p>Yes, my back up plan is to apply to UGA Spring 2014 because it does not look like I will be able to apply Fall 2013. I was thinking about just going to the local 4 year college this fall then go to UGA the following semester. However, this is just my back up plan. Financial aid told me they will let me know an estimate by the first week of April, so I should have an idea by then. I was actually thinking about having my dad write a letter explaining our family’s finances and have him fax it to them. Maybe it will help maybe not. </p>

<p>I don’t think it will ever come to me taking a semester off. I rather just go to the local four year college or community college. I just don’t think it would benefit me in the long run. However, I could work AND go to a local school. However, there really is no local community college…the closest college is a 4 year commuter college. </p>

<p>I have no regrets what I did in the process even though I hated Knox last term and still don’t love it. I think it was meant to be. I truly believe if I’m meant to stay here, I will if not I won’t. We will see. There is not much I can do now, but wait to see my estimate/real package. I am also interested in hearing back from the UGA admission officer.</p>

<p>BTW, I don’t think Knox looks at academics when doing financial aid for current students. I know some schools have additional scholarships for students, but I think Knox just has them for upcoming students. I can always ask though. I am thinking if the package is REALLY bad, I may make an appointment with Knox’s president to talk it over with her and explain my story.</p>

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<p>If you want to know how my Chicago trip went: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1471278-chicago-locals-help-needed-2.html#post15626606[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1471278-chicago-locals-help-needed-2.html#post15626606&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>But anyways, the UGA officer did email me back saying: “Hi, a standard Bachelor’s degree is about 120 semester hours, or 30 per year. Based on your explanation, you would need at least 9 “credits” on an official transcript by April 1st. Your best course of action would be to apply for spring of 2014.”</p>

<p>However, having thought about the special circumstances form, my sister’s Montessori school costs $6,600 a year, but my mom volunteers to pay off the full tuition, so we pay $3,000ish. Either way we can put the 6.6k on the form since that’s how much it costs, and my mom is paying part of the amount by volunteering, so maybe that will help the overall package. </p>

<p>I talked to my dad about it in the car and he kept on brining up Wheaton and how I should transfer there. SMH, I feel like he has no concept of money at times. Like I’ve said before, my mom is the brain of the relationship. Of course he liked the UGA idea and wanted to tour it for my younger brother (sophomore in hs) too who doesn’t want to go there. He even blew off the special form I told him about which got my mom mad because it can save us some money! I told him he hates Knox because it’s the midwest, and he told me no…he hates it because Galesburg is a poverty town and in the middle of no where with nothing to do lol. But anyways there isn’t much to do now until the estimate comes. Thanks everyone for everything! :)</p>