@mom2collegekids last year I worked 30-35 hours a week, and am now working the same job until September to save money for college. I have about 4000 in savings, but I don’t recall putting this anywhere on FAFSA. My mom graduated from UC Berkeley. My mom works in enterprise architecture and my dad in optics.
@ItsJustSchool If I could have the opportunity to get a PhD I would! I have not applied for an REU for this summer but was looking forward to applying for one for next! Thanks for giving me the pros and cons of which route is better for my future regard PhD vs BA/BS 
@ucbalumnus thanks so much! I would want to get a PhD! I’m going to see how things play out and if so I will have to wait till 24 although that seems so far from now #-o ! But that’s actually a really good idea!! I noticed for berkeley there were more a large percentage going to graduate school with a degree in math so that may be an option. Thank you for telling me about those stats and for all your other advice!
Is your dad contributing to your college costs? Are your parents married?
@thumper1 The parents aren’t together and the dad isn’t contributing.
I wonder if the dad pays child support? If so, was that included on FAFSA?
I think it’s interesting that mom is the “bad guy” in this situation, but dad seems to be “off the hook”. Likely mom is just taking the approach: “if dad isn’t paying, why should I?” …especially if she’s had most of the financial burden since the parents went their separate ways.
@thumper1 @mom2collegekids my parents are divorced my dad paid child support until I was 18. My mom is not the “bad guy” at all but I did still stop expecting things from my dad a long time ago when he didn’t do anything anyways. . I’m going to ask my dad if him & I could split rent or something. Everytime I ask my dad to contribute he says “your mom makes a lot”
Does he live near a UC that you like, and would he be willing to let you live there?
@ucbalumnus no he doesn’t! I live closer to Berkeley with my mom but I don’t know if I will get into UCB. I’m currently trying to find cheaper apartments in Davis more around the 400-500 range vs the 800 one I found. I think its only $800 because its newer but I know I could find something cheaper still close to campus.
You don’t need a whole apartment. you need a room. See if you can find a place where they are looking for someone to rent a room.
@thumper1 thats what I meant when I said apartment. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
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My mom is not the “bad guy” at all
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uh… You made your mom the bad guy when you made the title for this threat…
You let your dad off the hook a while ago when it was clear that he wouldn’t do anything anyways.
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but I did still stop expecting things from my dad a long time ago when he didn’t do anything anyways. . I’m going to ask my dad if him & I could split rent or something. Everytime I ask my dad to contribute he says “your mom makes a lot”
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He sounds like a peach
@mom2collegekids You’re so right, I did pin her as the bad guy with the title… I’ve realized my mom isn’t the bad guy in this situation and I appreciate her and your brutal honestly helped me realize her feelings(retirement,etc). I possibly acted a little rash in being angry and overwhelmed with everything. Thanks for being honest and helping.
@jkaiulani it sounds like you may be in an area where you could work for an insurance company main office (where there are actuarials employed) - maybe start in a clerical position. Maybe that will help you get career direction. Becoming an actuarial IMO would not be ‘harder’ than a PhD in Math or another STEM. It really sounds like you need to be able to get a job with an UG degree, unless you do go on to graduate school and have graduate assistantship, etc.
Sounds like your parents are high achieving but your mom is doing the parenting and emotional and other support for you to get your degree and help you get launched.
See where you can afford to attend school where you don’t have to pay housing (so if you can commute from your mom’s place or another relative’s).
Don’t think you shared enough about the general CC courses you have taken - if it will work towards math, business, etc. BS or BA program.
@SOSConcern thanks so much for your advice! I completed all math courses at CC from pre-calc to discrete mathematics and took some basic business courses, computer science courses and IGETC and will be getting my AA for transfer in Mathematics. I am considering the actuary position, thank you so much again!
http://www.beanactuary.com can be helpful if you are considering going into actuarial work.
Some schools help with internship connections, but you can do things on your own. Even making an appointment to do an informational interview at various prospective insurance companies - or just show up if they don’t have any job information on web site and try to talk to someone in HR or in various departments. Can also first try and call on the phone and find out whatever information you can. Sometimes you can find out various dept or contact names to use when you show up. With people on vacation and various entry position turnover, the company may consider a regular part-time situation with someone that is sharp and dependable. They may have internship or co-op opportunities.
Good luck @kaiulani . Sometimes being in the right place at the right time, and persistence. If you can present yourself well - in appearance and behavior - you are in a high cost of living area, so I think that can work for you with getting something entry level in insurance company. With all that math, maybe even starting in a dept that values that background. Maybe an assistant in actuary dept, even if it starts as clerical.
If you see the end result (permanent position in your field with a UG degree) and a way to make the way to that. Work experience is helpful, and work experience working with people in that field is very helpful. I know many, many people that work for a company, and when they finish a degree can land a good position, or have the opportunity to work up to a better degreed position based on their knowledge, experience, aptitude and demonstrated abilities.
Do not show up without an appointment. I don’t know any company these days with more than 20 employees that allows someone without a badge to walk their premises without an escort. Unfortunate but true.
Nobody in HR will agree to see a stranger who materializes a the reception/security desk without an appointment. Nobody.
SOS-- where did you get this advice and why do you pass it on? Other than a retail store or restaurant or something like that, who allows “walk in” appointments?