^ however it’d mean OP wouldn’t be able to teach in NC because she wants to make a middle class was, while NC teachers’ salaries are so low and schools in such terrible shape.
Thanks!
I definitely would prefer to not be in debt when I graduate so hopefully I don’t have to take out loans and hopefully my parents can afford to pay for whatever school I end up at. I sent in my application to Bama already so I’ll know soon for sure if they’ll pay for that or not.
Also, if NC has low teacher salaries, is Wake Forest not a good option either?
Wake Forest will depend on aid. It was hands down the most expensive school my girls applied to (would have been full pay - no merit given)
It is, you just have to plan student teaching for a semester away from it or within one of the few districts that pay well. Some thing with Bama.
Just make sure that when they said $50K was too much and $40K a stretch, that they are talking about for themselves, and not thinking you will borrow that much or something. Not sure from as vague as the parent-child conversations sound if that was made clear as their contribution or just cautioning you that borrowing $40K would be a bit much?
@bjscheel They were talking about their contribution
Would Bucknell, Boston College, or Denison be good fits for me?
I would say they are all worth a try. BC will be an high reach imho and the others a bit more accessible for you.
Thanks!
I have another question. Should I apply to more safeties besides Alabama and Illinois or should I just apply to matches and reaches after that?
Please be aware that grade/score based merit aid (especially a full-ride) from private/selective schools is almost non-existent unless you have a hook. And even the state schools reserve their full-ride scholarships for NMF and perfect ACT scores (and top athletes!). However most of the the privates/selective do have good need-based aid (especially Vanderbilt), most of which will cover your tuition if your EFC is low enough. But note living and dining options plus books and fees will still run you ~$20-25K/year.
That being said… I know everyone keeps telling you this but you really really need to fill out the EFC cost indicators that each school you want to apply to is required to have on their website. The information really is pretty basic and can be pulled from the 2016 tax return easily (unless your parents own a business or rental property, unused land, etc). There is no reason to apply to a college unless you are certain you have a way to pay for it - you will be sad and disappointed.
Also do not take out huge loans to go college, especially to go into education, unless you do your homework regarding first year salaries and where you want to live. This might help http://www.nea.org/home/2016-2017-average-starting-teacher-salary.html
Yes, there are plenty of jobs, but maybe not in areas you would desire to teach. You have to do your homework and have at least an idea of 4-5 states you might want to live in… then look up their 1st year teacher salaries. Think about having to pay $600-800/month for your loans and then think about other expenses (rent, utilities, cell phone, internet, basic food, gas, car expenses … it’s a tight squeeze no matter what state you teach in! Good luck!
Thanks! My parents won’t let me have the 2016 tax information to do the NPCs, and they don’t want to do it themselves either. I think besides Bama I’m going to apply to at least one other school where I can get merit aid, or hopefully I’ll get into a selective school and get need based aid. I guess I’ll just have to figure out which colleges are affordable after I get my acceptances because my parents really just won’t tell me before that. I won’t go to any school that will require me to take out huge loans.
You need to assume that your parents’ contribution is $0 and plan accordingly.
It means you’ll have to apply to more schools than you thought - do you or your parents or grandparents have a budget for that? Perhaps look up schools that are free to apply and apply there even if they don’t match what you want exactly.
Your parents do reAlize they have to give that info about at some point? Could you long on to some NPC and FAFSA and ask them to do it without you. They really need a clue about costs.
I am definitely planning on applying to some free to apply to schools in addition to the ones that I really want to go to. I don’t really have the budget to apply to that many, and my parents don’t want me to apply to a school unless it’s one that I “really want to go to.” They pretty much want me to apply to Vanderbilt (because it’s my top choice) and UIUC (because it’s their top choice), and not many more. I can probably afford to apply to a few more though, and my parents will probably pay for at least some of my applications. About how many schools should I apply to?
They know that they need to give the info at some point but they think that I’m worrying about college too early and don’t want to focus on it until later. They have no interest in doing any NPCs and they were willing to do FASFA but when I tried to do it it was only available for 2018.
The FAFSA won’t be available until October 1st, but you could download a spreadsheet version for those entering school this fall. I guess it won’t help if your parents refuse to work with you on this. I’m really perplexed regarding your situation. If they aren’t immediately dismissing $40k/year, then you’re probably upper middle class, right? If you don’t mind answering, what are their career fields? Maybe it’s just your style of writing, but I keep getting an image of you interrupting them while they’re watching TV, and you aren’t even getting their full attention. I know all families are different, but I would have loved it if my kids showed your initiative in this process - I’m sorry they’re not willing to be there for you - one might say it’s their responsibility.
We’re middle class, I don’t really think we’re upper middle class though. My mom does social work and my step dad does something with finance, I think.
Well all you can do is to be sure your parents understand the current cost of attendance for Vanderbilt and UIUC - maybe print it out and give it to them. Unfortunately there are many parents who don’t realize how expensive college has become. Best case is that they look at numbers and say they can handle it.
You’re going around in circles about your list when you don’t have enough information to make any further decisions. The energy would be better spent on writing the very best Personal Statement you can. You’ll have many months to add additional RD schools to your list if you want to. Hopefully by October or so, you’ll understand the financial situation better and can fine-tune your strategy.
In post #116 you mention your stepdad. You may have mentioned it in another thread, but if you have a non-custodial parent their financial information (and that of their spouse if they are re-married) will be taken into consideration at most schools that use the CSS Profile. This will be different than the EFC on the FAFSA, which only will take into account the financial information if your mom and step-dad.