[x33cupcake]

i didn't do so well my first yea of college. i got decent grades. i also signed up for financial aid late (because i forgot) and now i'm scared that i do not have enough for school. they're willing to pay for a few of my things but i don't know how much. my family is not that well off so i don't know what i'll do. sigh.

[Aprill]

Apply for pell and subsidized and unsubsidized loans

In addition to keeping loans, make sure you stay on task to keep up those grades.

[pinksugar]

college/uni is hard, but seriously, all you have to do is pass. You said you got ok grades - don't be too hard on yourself, it's a massive adjustment! give yourself some credit, keep an eye on the loans to make sure that it's not an extra worry, and you'll be fine

best of luck! and keep us updated!

[x33cupcake]

i am really not interested on getting loans- i'm scared to fall into debt =/ i guess i just have to work more and save up. i have about 3 more paychecks til school starts- i hope they all don't have to go to school..

[Aprill]

Oh ok, what's your major? Education and Nursing they roll out the red carpet

[laurreenn]

april is always so helpful.

[x33cupcake]

biology- it's not like i'm dumb or anything but i'm just terribly lazy and i know that i must stop that now..

[nanzmck]

Yes, it's a whole lifestyle change! Hang in there and enjoy it, I know you can do it.
If you don't want to apply for loans, make sure and apply for the Pell grant, and any and ALL of the available grants for your chosen field.
Honestly, the worse off financially you are, the less you will probably pay for school.

[pinksugar]

is it possible to speak to the head of department/s about your concerns? they may be able to suggest some more grants or scholarships that you could apply for.

Even if you don't get them, it can't hurt to apply for them

[magosienne]

apply everywhere you can, it doesn't hurt to ask.

[S. Lisa Smith]

Originally Posted by pinksugar

is it possible to speak to the head of department/s about your concerns? they may be able to suggest some more grants or scholarships that you could apply for.

Even if you don't get them, it can't hurt to apply for them

Excellent advice!!

[x33cupcake]

i talked to my financial aid counselor and she reassured me my tuition would be paid for. yay! so i have nothing to worry about about i have an extra 2000 for books (and makeup ) i guess i was just paranoid and freaking out. thanks for all the help and wonderful advice !

[4getmeNot]

good for you! happy to hear that! in the future if you don't qualify for full financial aid, look into different grants...there is a TON out there from statewide to federal..they also have plenty schloarships available from different companies...you just have to dig & research these things. for example, someone majoring in journalism could easily get $ from a publishing company..often all you have to do is submit an essay or put your name in a drawing, etc.

[ricababyy]

Mm.. i completely understand. Last year was my freshman year too & I totally messed up. I got academically disqualified from my university & I'm back in but I only get to take 12 units. & i totally feel you on the financials. I hadda scramble to find a job!

[Aquilah]

Originally Posted by x33cupcake

i talked to my financial aid counselor and she reassured me my tuition would be paid for. yay! so i have nothing to worry about about i have an extra 2000 for books (and makeup ) i guess i was just paranoid and freaking out. thanks for all the help and wonderful advice !

I'm glad it worked out. Just be careful and keep the grades up. The school can put you on academic probation or whatnot, and you can risk losing all or part of your financial aid. It happened to a friend of mine, and she had to pay for a whole semester out of pocket to bring up the grades and get her financial aid back. In addition to the PELL and Stafford loans, it doesn't hurt to say you'd be interested in fellowships and work programs.