<p>I'm currently an incoming freshman, under financial aid. I noticed that students are expected to contribute $2000 over a culmination of breaks. I was not able to find a job during the summer, and I'm seriously worried. I want to help my parents (I applied to literally 30 places) and yet, no one would take me because of my lack of experience. Does anyone have any suggestions?</p>
<p>I realize that there is winter break, but is it possible to earn that much in one month? Well, I know it’s probably possible, but lots of places where I live offer minimum, minimum wage…</p>
<p>I would call the fin aid folks and talk to them about it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, where we live there’s not much out there for young people except minimum wage jobs, and even those can be tough to find. 
But I’m surprised that “lack of experience” kept you from getting at least a minimum wage job; at least I thought that experience wasn’t really expected for most of them. </p>
<p>My son was lucky enough to get a job (minimum wage) this summer. He’s working 25 or 30 hours a week, hating every second of it 'cause he’s missed out on a lot of fun with friends, but has been able to save about $2000 over ten weeks. Obviously, you’d have to work more hours at minimum wage to make that in one month. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I’m misinterpreting your worry, but just so you know, the “student contribution” doesn’t have to actually be paid by the student. It’s just that is a default amount the school expects a student to be able to contribute with or without financial aid. So if your parents can give you that $2,000, you don’t need to worry… if they can’t (and that’s your concern), call financial aid.</p>
<p>^ahh thank you breakfast. That was bothering me too, but I feel a little better knowing that it isn’t an exact amount set aside to be taken out of student funds.</p>
<p>Thanks, breakfast:) You answered my question.</p>