<p>I got accepted into my top three schools: Marquette, UIC, ISU. I'm planning to major in Spanish(in hopes to teach Spanish for high school) and hopefully minor in something that could help.</p>
<p>My parents sold some land recently and we got a large some of money in, but we paid of some debt that needed to be cleared so it's basically all gone. However, the fafsa implied I'm rich because of the money so I'm probably not gonna get any financial aid this year. This kinda messed up things so now I could use some help.</p>
<p>UIC: -I like it because it's right in the city
-it's cheaper than most schools and helps my current situation
-not sure how well their Spanish/education program is</p>
<p>Marquette:- it's also right in the city
- it feels like a community despite being in the city
-it's quite expensive but I managed to get a 16,000 scholarship
- I got into the communication school so I figured I'd do something around those lines and major in Spanish and then get an education degree in graduate school in Illinois because I'd want to teach in Illinois.</p>
<p>ISU:- it's known for it's teaching
-not too expensive
-middle of nowhere and that kinda throws me off
-have some friends going there so I won't be completely alone</p>
<p>Some advice would be great and I'm sorry it's so long. I really don't know what would be the smart and better choice.</p>
<p>First about the fafsa - when you completed the fafsa did your family still had the cash in a bank account prior to paying the debt? If so it will not show if you do a revised fafsa that will include your parents filing for 2010 taxes. S1 is currently a junior at ISU (Bus. major), S2 is a sophomore at Marquette, and I’m a Marquette alumnus (Eng. '83). Obviously unless you get enough fin. aid you would be paying more at Marquette than UIC. I do not know if Ill. (assuming you are an Ill. resident) has an agreement with Iowa regarding State schools. If not ISU does not seem to give a lot of need based aid so again you might be paying more. Bottom line you need to wait for total fin. aid packages to see on the financial side what is best. You also need to talk it through with your parents and see how much they are willing to go into debt. I know that any of the 3 schools will prepare you well. Do not know a lot about the UIC program. Marquette will give you a well rounded education and they have a very strong study abroad program including one in Spain which would be something you could take advantage of for your major. I also know that ISU has a good study abroad program. Regarding Marquette yes the community between the student body is very strong. ISU is a bigger campus with a larger enrollment and Ames is a small town but a very nice town to live in. If you have questions about either Marquette or ISU just let me know.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help! Regarding the fafsa: we had some money left in the back when we filed it but it’s going to be gone soon so you think I can revise the fafsa? </p>
<p>Oh and I’m not sure if there’s confusion, but I meant ISU as Illinois State University not the Iowa one. Sorry if I confused you.</p>
<p>Since you want to be a teacher, sit down with the teachers who you think are the best, and ask for their advice. There can be big differences in teachers training programs. You want one where you will be observing in classrooms from the very beginning.</p>
<p>You also need to chose a program where you will have at least a full semester abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. You need to have a chance to really perfect your communication skills in that language. Choosing a less expensive school will leave you more money for your studies abroad.</p>
<p>Lastly, teaching is an honorable profession but it doesn’t always pay well. Do your best to avoid a lot of debt.</p>
<p>Sorry thought it was Iowa State… Do not know much about Ill. State. Regarding fafsa last revised fafsa is filed after parents file taxes so yes, and revise if any financial situation changes.</p>
<p>Two more possibilities, if you can’t refile the fafsa or it still shows unreasonably high:</p>
<p>1 - Send a separate letter to the schools asking them to give your account special consideration because of the special circumstances</p>
<p>2 - Accept your favorite school (I have no suggestions about that) and see if you can take a gap year. You can use that gap year to work or to volunteer in schools (depending on your personal and regional economic situations).</p>
<p>I believe you are only allowed to revise income amounts (when you receive your W2s and 1099s), not asset amounts. Assets are as of the day you originally file - which is why you are advised to pay down any debt BEFORE filing.</p>
<p>No when you refile you must include the cash amount you have on hand. In their case they sold land and they had the cash in their account, but if they have a different situation for the final filing being + or - you report the change.</p>