<p>I am a senior in high school right now, and I've realized that I've GOT to start thinking about college, considering I have no idea what I want to study, and I don't know what college I am going to attend. I'm getting really stressed out because I've been hearing that living ON-campus is 100% better than commuting - - - but I don't think my family can afford to send me to college AND to pay for me to live there. I play varsity softball right now and I am going to apply for a scholarship, but I know that won't be all that much money in the long run... any advice? Thanks.</p>
<p>well... this wouldn't help for next year, since freshmen can't be RAs, but you can apply to be an RA after your freshman year. RAs generally get a break on room and board fees, i believe. look into the school you are thinking of attending for the specifics.</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>laur,
Start now...today. Applications need to be done first semester of your senior year. You need time to complete your FAFSA, apply for outside scholarships, write your applications and essays, get your recommendation letters, etc. Once you do your FAFSA, you will see how much your family is expected to contribute to your education. </p>
<p>I suggest you research some colleges online and find out the costs of attendance. See what colleges appeal to you. See what kind of financial aid you are likely to get. Apply to at least one or two financial safeties. I think if you were going to get money from softball, you'd know if you were being recruited. </p>
<p>In case your family really can't afford to send you to live at college, I would do two things. First, apply to a college that you could commute to, if necessary. Second, get a job if you don't already have one. You could easily save enough money to live on campus if you get a part time job now.</p>
<p>Here is a link to some calculators you can use to get started:
<a href="http://www.finaid.org/calculators/%5B/url%5D">http://www.finaid.org/calculators/</a></p>
<p>starcatch, im really interested in becoming an RA at my school (USC). im going to be living their next year as well. do you know how that is done exactly? would you contact housing and fill out an application? i dont know where to start.</p>
<p>Just a thought.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.navy.com/benefits/education/%5B/url%5D">http://www.navy.com/benefits/education/</a></p>
<p>generally freshmen can't be RAs... but for the future (next year), i'm sure that you will just need to contact housing and fill out an application. most likely, your school will provide info on this sometime in the late winter/early spring.</p>
<p>best of luck! :)</p>