<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I'm in a bit of a predicament. I applied to UBC and have been offered admission into the Okanagan Science program. However, I know that the cost of attending ($15000-$20000) will be a huge financial burden on me and my family. I was rejected, unfortunately, at SFU because this year they based their admissions on 2nd term midterms and my English was a 62%, so they took that instead of the 90% I finished with at the end. Due to this, I was forced to apply to Kwantlan Polytechnic University, which is walking distance from my house. I am a late applicant there and as such there is no guarantee that I will get in.</p>
<p>Here's the thing. July 1, 2012 is the last day for me to accept my UBC Okanagan offer. I have never had a job before but am trying to find work for the summer. I will have to move out and it will be expensive. I either accept the offer and go and try to find some way of making ends meet, or I decline the offer and hope that I end up getting into Kwantlan instead. If I decline the UBC offer and don't get into Kwantlan (again, late applicant so no guarantee), then I think it's safe to say that I won't be doing anything for the next year. So I really really need your guys' advice on this. If you were in my position, what would you do? And also, if you suggest that I accept my UBC Okanagan offer, then what do you suggest I do to get financial help? It's not too late to get a government loan is it? Aside from that, I've had people tell me that the University work load is way too much to work part time (to pay off debt) and expect to do good in school at the same time, while others (mostly teachers) have said that they and all their friends did it. Do you think that I could work part time, go to school full time and still be able to pull off good grades (If I manage my time well), or is it pretty much impossible for most people out there?</p>
<p>Thank you so much, I only have a few more hours to make up my mind so any and all help will be very much appreciated!</p>
<p>I suspect not many CC’ers know anything about financial aid available to students in Canada or the workload at Canadian colleges. You might try posting on the Canadian section of the International forum.</p>
<p>If you accept UBC Okanagan, can you afford to sacrifice any required deposit if you are later accepted to Kwantlan or determine you can’t afford to attend??</p>
<p>The deposit is about $250, which is a lot really since my parents really don’t want me to go to UBCO but again there’s no guarantee I’ll get into Kwantlan :(</p>
<p>I just don’t know how to convince them, I could probably get that money but I NEED to get a job this summer and save something up…</p>
<p>Any advice on the other issues, like keeping a part-time job while being a full time student? Can I still get government loans?</p>
<p>Thank You!</p>
<p>You could ask for an extension. Most colleges will grant it. It might be a little too late, but it does not hurt to try. Try emailing. I’m not sure you can call at this time.</p>
<p>Thank you, I emailed earlier today. It is the Canada Day long weekend so I don’t know if anyone will be there to read it.</p>
<p>Hi! I can actually comment on the workload at the UBCs here, as two of my friends have gone to them (one in Kelowna, one in Vancouver). Both managed to hold part-time jobs while doing their first year (and second and third, for the one in Kelowna), and both were in science. Your GPA may take a small hit (i.e. from A to A- or B+), but if you’ve worked at a job during school before, you should be okay.</p>
<p>However, it’s very important that you consider just how much you’ll be able to earn from a part-time job while going to school. Don’t get yourself into massive amounts of debt with higher stress levels from working a job that doesn’t earn you enough; it might be better to work and earn money then attend the next year. And consider also that you may need research experience to go further in the sciences, and you’ll want to have room for that – and it’s often unpaid to start. Do check into getting loans ASAP.</p>
<p>Finally, I’m not sure if you’ve done much calling/emailing to UBC, but be prepared to barrage them with calls/emails, and wait awhile on the line (if it’s anything like UBC-Van). Unfortunately, you’re still in the middle of the registration period, so expect waits, unless they have a different line for your type of concern.</p>
<p>Best of luck! Kelowna’s a really great place to live. :)</p>
<p>P.S. If you haven’t been to SFU’s campus: you didn’t miss much. The campus is as depressing as they say. (But the ride there is beautiful!)</p>