3 answers
Rachel
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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I don't know if I'm ready for college after graduation. My parents won't let me get a job and FAFSA sign ups haven't come yet. Should I take a year off after high school or should I try to go to college with my scholarships. (i don't want to take loans)
I really want to go to college, and I'm not interested in the military. However, I am in a program called Young Marines. Anyways, I have tried to convince my parents to allow me to get a job and they won't. I graduate in May of 2018 at the age of 17, but I would be 18 in August of 2018. If I don't get enough scholarships, should I get a job and live with someone for free or should I go to college and pay back student loans? I really don't want to do the loans, but if I have to I will take out a SMALL loan and pay it back later.
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3 answers
Neil Pinney
Director, Comprehensive Care Clinic C at IU School of Dentistry
26
Answers
Fishers, Indiana
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Rachel,
That's a tough one to answer because you know yourself better than anyone. I stayed out for a year after high school, had a job I enjoyed, and was able to live for free. Looking back, all that did was put me a year behind on my college. If you think you can handle the courses, get started on college as soon as you can. It sounds like you would be very could at watching expenses and that is key to keeping your student loan debt down. Good luck!
That's a tough one to answer because you know yourself better than anyone. I stayed out for a year after high school, had a job I enjoyed, and was able to live for free. Looking back, all that did was put me a year behind on my college. If you think you can handle the courses, get started on college as soon as you can. It sounds like you would be very could at watching expenses and that is key to keeping your student loan debt down. Good luck!
Thanks for your advice and input!
Rachel
Tommy Nguyen
dental asssistant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Tommy’s Answer
Rachel,
If you really want to go to college then go for it! Its a great experience but definitely don't slack off considering you have to pay for it. I don't know your family financial, but if they are willing to have you not work and go to college regardless, than maybe they can afford to have you go. Fafsa is a big help and when I was applying for college, FAFSA definitely gave me more than I had anticipated so don't worry too much right now and wait for FAFSA. Taking a year off of high school is definitely an option but you're losing a year of academic which will delay your graduation and time to get into your career. If money is an issue for you then you can try taking community college classes which are way cheaper. Do all your basics in community college then transfer into University. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck
If you really want to go to college then go for it! Its a great experience but definitely don't slack off considering you have to pay for it. I don't know your family financial, but if they are willing to have you not work and go to college regardless, than maybe they can afford to have you go. Fafsa is a big help and when I was applying for college, FAFSA definitely gave me more than I had anticipated so don't worry too much right now and wait for FAFSA. Taking a year off of high school is definitely an option but you're losing a year of academic which will delay your graduation and time to get into your career. If money is an issue for you then you can try taking community college classes which are way cheaper. Do all your basics in community college then transfer into University. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck
Rube Garduno
Supervisor
18
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Rube’s Answer
Hey Rachel,
As said before, this is tough. The answer to these questions will be in your favor, but I will break it down to hopefully help you make your decision.
Option 1 would be to go to school, take out a small loan, and live rent-free. Things to consider here is what school would you go to? If you were to go this route, I would recommend a community college because tuition is cheaper than a big college. This would help ensure that the loan is small. Another thing is, where would you live rent-free and is it possible. If it's with your parents, that is understandable, but situations with friends that are "rent-free" can get sticky, and you would need a backup plan just in case. Lastly, aim for all the scholarships you can because, in most cases, you may have a surplus in funds for the school, in which you may get a refund. This would give you a boost in the money situation. This option would be my choice, given that taking a year off to work would also set you back in school, and I have made the mistake of pushing school back.
Option 2 would be to work a year to save up money for a year or so that you have enough funds to attend school. I see a couple of downsides to this. This would set you back at least a year, and there may be a reason your parents do not want you to work. They may want you to focus fully on school.
Ultimately, the choice is yours but consider the things above when making your decision. I recommend applying for as many scholarships as possible and going to school after high school.
As said before, this is tough. The answer to these questions will be in your favor, but I will break it down to hopefully help you make your decision.
Option 1 would be to go to school, take out a small loan, and live rent-free. Things to consider here is what school would you go to? If you were to go this route, I would recommend a community college because tuition is cheaper than a big college. This would help ensure that the loan is small. Another thing is, where would you live rent-free and is it possible. If it's with your parents, that is understandable, but situations with friends that are "rent-free" can get sticky, and you would need a backup plan just in case. Lastly, aim for all the scholarships you can because, in most cases, you may have a surplus in funds for the school, in which you may get a refund. This would give you a boost in the money situation. This option would be my choice, given that taking a year off to work would also set you back in school, and I have made the mistake of pushing school back.
Option 2 would be to work a year to save up money for a year or so that you have enough funds to attend school. I see a couple of downsides to this. This would set you back at least a year, and there may be a reason your parents do not want you to work. They may want you to focus fully on school.
Ultimately, the choice is yours but consider the things above when making your decision. I recommend applying for as many scholarships as possible and going to school after high school.