Hello, I am currently a freshmen in my second semester of a private four year school. My parents help finance my education, but my father is currently in the process of losing his job and as a result I will not be able to afford this school. No assistance from fafsa since the tax documents still show high income from previous years, which is understandable. (If anyone could direct me to other large sources of financial aid, other than loans, it would be appreciated.) I am looking to transfer into a significantly cheaper state school.
I did not perform so well in my first semester, and I am looking for finish my second semester with 22 credits. My second semester has gone considerably better, and my gpa has improved greatly, but I need to remake two classes before it becomes a strong 3.7.
The state college I am looking to transfer into requires 60 credits. (I am not sure if they provide any leeway for transferring from another 4 year school.) If I can save enough money to attend my current university for at least the next fall semester (18 credits), I can finish with 40 credits and a good gpa (I am not sure if I can remake these classes at a community college, I am also looking to minimize my time spent at a community college). I can then take another class during the internship period (for another 3 credits), and then finish with another 18 credits in the spring at a community college (61 total credits).
Is it possible that other universities will accept passed AP credits (if my original college did not)? Does this sound like the best course of action for an individual in my situation? I am very driven and I guarantee that I can crush all of these courses. (The only reason I did not perform well in the first semester was due to a family emergency, and not a lack of motivation or effort.) Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.
Other colleges may accept AP classes but you would need to contact the admissions office and ask. Also make sure they know you would be a transfer student. If nothing else you can go back to a CC and save $ preparing to head to the four year public U.
Contact your college’s financial aid office. If it’s a meet need college, they often take change in family circumstances (such as loss of job, being/becoming a dislocated worker) into account and reflect that in the package. Even if the university doesn’t meet need, you can go talk to someone in financial aid. I can guarantee you that they’ll and work with you (they’re a selective, private institution. You wouldn’t be able to discuss anything if you attended an OOS public university.)
As for transferring: not only do you need 60 credits but you typically need 60 specific credits.
The best course of action would be to consult with people at your current college, bringing documentation once it becomes available.
@Cali270 Yes, many colleges will accept AP classes even if your current one doesn’t.
I really agree with the above poster – most colleges will do everything possible to make sure you don’t have to leave due to a job loss in the family. Don’t just speak with the front desk person/the person who picks up the phone – go (in person) directly to your assigned counselor or even to the top of the department because that person will most likely have the most financial aid-giving authority.
You didn’t mention anything about whether you like your current school. If you do, you should explore options to stay (in addition to just speaking with the financial aid director). You can check with your college’s academic affairs department or the registrar’s office to see if they allow you to take community college classes in the summers or even during the school year to accelerate your graduation.
Lastly, I am so sorry about your family’s circumstances. Hope your dad finds another job soon. Best of luck!
You might be able to find the “special circumstances” paperwork. Right on the financial aid page of your college website. If so, fill out as much of that as you can, and take it with uou when you go meet with the head of financial aid.