<p>My father just got laid off today. He was a superintendent for a construction company. My mother makes around 14,000 a year (family of five). What am I supposed to do? He gets severance pay for 8 weeks. My parents were going to start paying some of my college app. fees but now that's a major problem. Should I wait a month and see if he can find a job and then start worrying? How do fee waivers work? I'm just really worried now and I don't know how my parents are going to pay all of the college fees. I figured the parents on the board would be able to give the best advice.</p>
<p>You don't mention any schools of interest, but some colleges have free applications. Notre Dame is free if you apply online.</p>
<p>I'm sorry. I'm a senior and already have my colleges planned out. The ones that require fees are Columbia, Ohio State, Sarah Lawrence, Northwestern and Boston College</p>
<p>Many colleges do have fee waivers. E-mail the colleges' financial aid office to find out how to get them.</p>
<p>Even more important is -- how will you pay for college? Make sure that when you apply, you apply realistically to colleges that are likely to colleges that you'll be able to afford if you're accepted.Thoroughly examine the financial aid web sites of colleges you're considering. Most colleges are not able to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of most of the students the colleges accept. Some colleges that meet the need will do so by hefty loans, as much as $30 k a year. Meanwhile, the average college student takes out a total of $17 k to pay for 4 years of college.</p>
<p>Consider transportation costs, too when you're selecting where to apply. Most students in the U.S. go to college within 250 miles of their home, and finances are a big reason for this.</p>
<p>Make sure you have at least one financial safety -- a school that you know you can afford, and will be accepted to. For many people, including many smart people, such a school is their local community college because they can live at home, commute there, and after graduating head to a 4-year public without carrying debt with them.</p>
<p>Also look for scholarships and for a part time job during the school year, fulltime job during the summer. With only $14 k a year income for a family of 5, getting money for college apps may be the least of your worries. You may need to work part-time to help provide your basic needs like food and clothing.</p>
<p>You should be able to get a fee waiver easily and if you can't, maybe that college just has bad karma! I'm sorry about your dad and hope he finds work soon.</p>
<p>Oh hon..I'm so sorry. I own a construction business and many contractors are seeing a downturn.<br>
Northstarmom offers great advice. Apply for those fee waivers. Look for schools closer to home. Sit down and go over your list again looking for schools which meet 100% of demonstrated need.</p>
<p>From the schools on your list, it sounds as though you would be eligible for merit scholarships at many schools. You should look very carefully at your public flagship as well as other public and private schools that are generous with merit money. And look at their Honors Programs/Colleges. You might find some that fit you well and will provide you with an education just as good as the schools on your list for far less money (or no money at all).</p>
<p>And you'll probably qualify for need-based money as well. </p>
<p>Do apply for fee waivers for your apps. </p>
<p>I'm sorry things are so tough for you right now. I hope they get better soon.</p>
<p>You might want to check out the threads on this board that talk about schools that offer good merit aid. Good luck.</p>