What should I do? Need your advice

One should look at education as one looks at any business expense: look for a way to accomplish the goal with the least prudent expenditure to allow for the maximum return on that expenditure. Also, one should keep in mind that it really does not matter where one goes to school. What matters is not hard one works to get the best grades, as that is the way employers measure a potential employee out of college, and how well one works to develop a networking community, as that is how one develops employment opportunities and advances in one's career. Here is an important video to watch, I will provide some steps to accomplish your goal below. ##

http://www.ted.com/talks/julie_lythcott_haims_how_to_raise_successful_kids_without_over_parenting?utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=talk&utm_term=education

Hello Nata,

This is a question that comes up frequently among students. Students who need to supplement their financial aid are able to do so with scholarships, or loans. The idea of loans can be daunting for many students and just the sheer word can make any student nervous. However, it is an option to finance your education. The terms of the loan, how much you should request, and the process of securing a loan is a conversation that you need to have with the financial aid office of your school. In my particular case, financial aid did not cover my full tuition when I was in college, so I did have to take out a loan. I made sure I understood what this entailed and I asked many questions. I also decided to take out only what I needed.

The other option you have available to you are scholarships. Scholarships are a great way to pay for college and I encourage you to visit Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com). It is a site devoted to scholarships. Look through it and apply to all those that you meet their requirements. Scholarship applications do take time, so make sure that you allocate time to prepare for them. Read the instructions carefully making sure you understand what is being asked of you. When you have written you scholarship essay proof read it for grammatical and spelling errors. Have it reviewed by some else (a teacher, a friend, or a family memember) who is a strong writer. When I was in high school and I was preparing my applications I asked my English teachers if they would review my essays. I did ask before hand to see if they were willing, and I made sure to have it ready with enough time prior to the deadline.

Nata, first congratulations on being accepted to several colleges. First, I would create a spreadsheet. Determine what the estimates of each school including room & board, books, etc. will cost. I would also add gas money and/or airfare to and from these schools when you think you will come home for the Holidays. Then subtract any current financial aid that you have received to see what the lowest cost is. Although you like all the colleges you have been accepted to, make sure you really like the town/city the college is in and the campus.

As for additional financial aid, I would look into scholarships. I have seen many post about Cappex, Niche, ScholarshipZone, Scholarships and StudentScholarships, however another site that I found when helping another student was Scholarships360. This website shows the amount, due date, etc. and other information.

Another option and it's up to you is a community college to get your Associate's Degree and all prerequisites out of the way, which would be cheaper. Perhaps stay at home and save some money, as well. However, you may have to reach out to the colleges to see if you can defer your acceptance if you go that route. They may ask you to reapply and get accepted again, but you don't know if you don't ask. You will also need to ensure those courses you take at the Comm. College can be transferred to your 'major' College.