<p>Here's the story: My parents are small-business owners who were once very wealthy. However, with the recent recession, they are now filing for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the bank owns everything we have (cars, house, etc.), and we potentially could be losing it all. My mom is even pawning her jewelry in order to buy presents for my little brothers.</p>
<p>Honestly, because of this situation, I can't afford to go to college anymore. Currently, I am on a ton of loans, but otherwise I received very little aid from either my university or the government. I honestly don't know what to do. I was planning to go to grad school, but now I feel like the career I want is totally out my future because how much my education will cost.</p>
<p>Do you think I could appeal for more aid? Do you know of any scholarships I could apply for? I have been on Fastweb, but have never had any luck. Should I fill out another FAFSA application?</p>
<p>I am really not posting this for sympathy; I just want to find a way to continue my education.</p>
<p>Your first stop should be the financial aid office at your college to get a feeling for what options might be open to you going forward. If it looks improbable that you can keep going seamlessly, you can finish out the semester and work and figure out where you can finish your undergraduate degree within the budget you can work with. I would not put the cart before the horse - worrying now about grad school - as you need to spend the time figuring out how to finish your undergraduate degree. What year are you in currently?</p>
<p>How much does your current college cost and are you a resident of that state? Does the school use FAFSA only? Do you live in dorms, off campus, or at home? What is your intended major/career?</p>
<p>Yes, you should always file FAFSA as this is necessary to receive Stafford loans. Whether you’ll receive aid next year depends on what your parents’ AGI is for 2011. If they can estimate that for you we can probably tell you if you’ll be eligible for federal/state aid programs.</p>
<p>My current university currently costs about $40,000 a year. It is a public university, but I am an out-of-state resident. I am currently a second semester sophomore, and will be a first semester junior technically next semester. I live on campus in a dorm. Yes, my school only uses FAFSA, unfortunately. I am pre-med student and am hoping to become an internal medicine doctor.</p>
<p>Because I am technically a junior, I don’t know how transferring would work to a cheaper/in-state institution, as I have missed spring semester deadlines and already have a ton of credit hours (meaning almost 70). </p>
<p>And I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but what’s an AGI? Sorry, I am clueless when it comes to finances.</p>
<p>If you can’t transfer for spring, take the semester off and start in the summer term or in the fall. During your time off between University A and University B, you can get a job and/or do volunteer work. In the overall scheme of things, a one semester delay in finishing college really won’t be that big of a deal.</p>
<p>I agree with happymom that you should probably look at instate publics. Take a look at your home state’s FA programs for residents too. Also, if you can live off campus, either at your current school or at a school you may transfer to, that can save a significant amount as well. It’s generally not advisable to take on big loans for undergrad when one is planning on a career that requires graduate/professional degrees.</p>
<p>If it is a more recent bankruptcy, be sure to make an appointment with the FA Conselor in the intended institution to explain your circumstances. Your parents AGI may not have reflected the bankruptcy yet. Bring all the relevent documents with you for the appointment.</p>
<p>Also, for the time being, try to transfer into a local school so you don’t have to pay for the room and board to save money.</p>
<p>Even you have missed the spring deadline, you may talk to the admission office of your in-state and they may allow you to admit anyway, given the situation.</p>