<p>My grades were awful and so now my mom has returned to her old controlling self. She has threatened to decide my profession, classes, everything and with the usual emotional abuse in between. I really would like to continue with college but not with her having all the control, so would it be manageable to take I think 12000-15000 in loans each year? I am a sophomore now, and will hopefully also find off campus housing that is cheaper and that I can stay in year-round so I don't need to go back home next year. </p>
<p>Although I took leave of absence on my job because I assumed I would go abroad, I think they will take me back (and probably give me the worst hours :/) and I also have so research to complete with will earn a little over 1000.</p>
<p>I am hoping the figure is closer to 12000 per year, but I worry the loans are too high to take. Any advice? Also, is it too late to take loans for the spring? I'd like to start as soon as possible, but then I'd probably have issues finding housing for the summer.</p>
<p>It will be hard to get loans in that amount in your own name without a cosigner. The Stafford loan has a max of $5500 for a freshman, $6500 for a sophomore, $7500 for third year and up. Loans above that would probably be private and require a cosigner with a good credit rating. Being a cosigner is a huge commitment as the cosigner is responsible for the debt if you do not pay or pay late. So it is hard to find anyone other than a parent to be a cosigner.</p>
<p>awesome. It’s days like this I wish I lived in a country where paying for college was more manageable. Even if I worked a lot I don’t think my job would cover the remainder. Sigh…</p>
<p>I agree with Swimcatsmom. You are not likely going to be able to secure loans in this amount without a cosigner.</p>
<p>What can you do to make your situation more “palatable”? Can you get those grades back up to where they need to be? Are they really very low? Are you at risk for being put on academic probation? </p>
<p>Your parents may have a good reason to be concerned if you are at risk of being put on academic probation OR if you have failed any course(s). If you fail courses or even get D’s which may require a retake of them…this is money your parents have spent that is now wasted…UNLESS you have learned to now study and manage your school work better.</p>
<p>I know this isn’t for everyone…but in our family, we had a deal. We paid the BILLS…almost all of them (kids both got merit awards to a greater or lesser degree and we paid the balance). Their part of the bargain was that they would make decent grades, not get a D or F in a course, and not drop below full time status. If any of those things happened…they KNEW they would be moving home and going to the local community college and working until they got their acts together. College costs are expensive and we (as a family) were not prepared to just throw that money away if our kids weren’t making the grade.</p>
<p>Like Thumper…my D knows that college is not a joke, and it’s not a party. It’s a very expensive privilege and an investment. If I pay, and I am…then she agrees she will produce the grades that we know she’s capable of producing. Things happen, we know that. No one is perfect, no one is asking for straight As if they’re not possible. BUT…it’s just like a scholarship. If you can’t get the grades they require, they also drop the scholarship funds. </p>
<p>It bothers me a lot that you are taking snide jabs at your Mother, who is obviously TRYING to keep you on track, so I will offer only this advice: STAY in school. Suck up what you perceive as her “controlling” interest in you, and get that degree. PLEASE don’t try to live on your own and take out those loans. It is NOT worth it. If your Mother says that she wants to select your major, use your best negotiating skills to explain WHY you want something different, and perhaps you can minor in that area? Your Mother may not have all the answers, but it’s doubtful you do either. Perhaps BOTH of you could have an appointment together with a school advisor?</p>
<p>Then…2.5 years from now…with sheepskin in hand…you can prove that you can (financially) control your own life - unburdened by debt. Until then, try to spend a moment to be thankful that someone is still caring for you. Many would love to be in your shoes, with a Mother who is providing, and paying. ANd remember the Golden Rule…He who as the gold, makes the rules.</p>
I have to comment on this. You do live in that country. You can start in community college and pay your own way while you work full time. Then you can matriculate to a four year U some time later. Many students do that.</p>