<p>I only graduated HS and did couple or yrs at local community college. My oldest daughter will be a Jr. in HS this yr and I know we need to start thinking colleges now.</p>
<p>She really wants to attend a 4-yr, I really would love to help her achieve her goals, but we have several obstacles to overcome and I need lots of advice.</p>
<p>First I am a single parent of 2 daughters 14/16 yrs old, I work full time but make less then 35,000 a yr my husband left me in debt and my credit is horrible. </p>
<p>My oldest (Class of 2010) is an average student A/B (except a "D" from a horrible math teacher they finally "fired" this yr) but she has pulled her GPA back up around 3.3 end of last semester. She is a good student teachers say she works hard, dedicated etc she is a poor test taker and most of her grades are made up of test scores. </p>
<p>She is starting to look at colleges (which is wonderful) but don't want to get her hopes up to attend a four yr school. She really does not want to do local communtiy college and I am not sure I could even afford that. I get no assistance (child support, etc) so it would almost impossible for me to help her. She also does not have a specific school in mind, but wants to begin looking. </p>
<p>If anyone has any suggestions for us, where to look etc I would be so grateful. We are in NC, and I know about the cfnc.org webiste great info.
Here I saw some of the requirments and her GPA is not as high as I think most four-yr schools prefer. </p>
<p>You've found a wonderful resource here on CC. Of course she can attend a school with that GPA! It sounds like she has another year to improve it even further. Just make sure her Jr. year schedule includes academic classes and honors/AP classes if possible. </p>
<p>Jr year she will want to take the SAT (or maybe the ACT) Opinions vary as to when to take it. January and March test dates seem to be popular. I believe that the test fee can be waived for income reasons. Many public libraries have study materials and there are lots of free resources online to help her prep. She might also check with her guidance counselor. </p>
<p>Some states also have great programs for lower income students to assist them with college costs. Florida is one. Indiana has something called the 21st Century Scholars Program. I know there are others. Financial resources are available. I'm not the financial aid expert many on this forum are. I'd strongly suggest just reading posts in the financial aid forum to get some idea about FAFSA versus CSS. I know one will require cooperation and taxes from your former spouse, even if he doesn't contribute. (somebody please jump in here)</p>
<p>The possibility really does exist for your daughters to attend four year colleges. Research will be key. Just start reading the various forums and try to pick up all you can from the wisdom you'll find here. Also Good for you for wanting to help her achieve this dream!</p>
<p>You are fortunate to live in a state that has some of the best higher education options in the country. Typically, the most affordable colleges for average college-bound students like yours are in-state public universities, particularly those within commuting distance. I suggest that you start by looking at nearby publics.</p>
<p>Also make an appointment with your kids' GC, too, who also should be able to help you figure out some good options.</p>
<p>Your daughter's GPA is fine for many, many great four-year colleges! In addition, what you are describing about your family's income status indicates that it is highly likely your daughter will be eligible for financial assistance from the Federal government, NC, and colleges themselves to make her dream of going to a four year college a reality. </p>
<p>I agree with Northstarmom about making an appointment with your daughter's guidance counselor -- she should be able to give you some information to help you get started learning about sources of financial aid and different college options. I would, however, also do some research on your own to understand how financial aid works. One place I would start is FSA</a> Portals. Finaid.com is another excellent resource.</p>
<p>And, tell her not to be afraid of starting at a community college if that ends up being her fate. Today's community college is much improved from your day I'm sure. If she goes the community college route, it should be with a formal plan to transfer to a 4 year college/university that has made a transfer agreement with that community college. That way she will have her long-range goal in sight, and her professors will help her keep her eyes on that goal. They want her to be successful too.</p>
<p>Just be warned that colleges may consider your daughter's father's income in determining her eligibility for financial aid even if she has no contact with him.</p>
<p>There are people here on CC who are knowledgeable about this situation.</p>