<p>Hey, I'm a newbie so pardon me if this is an oft asked question.</p>
<p>I'm a high school senior, already accepted to two colleges and waiting till April for the rest. My parent's EFC=10,000 a year, and although that may not sound like a lot to many people it is for my parents. They just bought a house (and a modestly priced one at that) and have a lot new expenses and bills that we did not face when we rented in NYC. I'm trying to minimize any payments on their part and debts on mine. Worst still, we don't have that money and will have to borrow it.</p>
<p>I'll definitely be working this summer, and am currently applying for scholarships. Here's my real question: I'm worried that the schools I might attend will not even meet the estimated cost of attendence minus my EFC. I hear a lot of horror stories about how so many fiancial aid packages have gaps and how aid is cut as they move towards graduation. I'm really interested in RAing. Can it be done in freshman yr? How hard is it to become an RA? I have good grades and usually what my teachers call a "people person" and wouldn't mind having to listen to problems or sort through messes.</p>
<p>Wow, I've just really rambled a lot. Sorry first time jitters combined with fiancial aid freak out does not make for brevity or wit. Thanks.</p>
<p>I don't think you can RA as a freshman. The whole point of having an RA is to have someone older and more experienced who can answer questions about where everything is and how things work at the college, as well as to be a general counselor and advisor. A first year student just would not have the experience at the college to be able to do that.</p>
<p>However, many colleges have other work study options that could be done by a freshman. Check with the college you decide to attend, and see what might be available.</p>
<p>If you've applied to a nyc college, did you apply for the Chase smart start scholarship (I believe that the deadline has passed) Go Past your GC office as they usually post scholarship information. In addition do a fast web search . One of the parents posted this link the other day, maybe it will givve you a jumping off point.</p>
<p>It can be very competitive to become an RA. Sometimes only 25% of those who apply get it, especially if it means free room. Sometimes it is competitive even for the sake of getting a single, the case at my S's school. It is worth a try but I would not make it a part of my financial package and then be in great debt if it didn't come through.</p>