Double Bummer

Sharpieman · 09-21-2004, 03:43 AM

So, I'm in junior college in NorCal and I am about to be sending out applications to a number of schools, Stanford, Berkeley, Arizona State and Hawaii Pacific. All was going well until about a week ago, when my parents sat me down and told me something pretty shocking, they're getting divorced. I was a little surprise to me, and it sucks because they're basically waiting for me to move out and then they'll pursue a divorce. A lame duck marriage untill fall of 05. What also sucks is that their income will not be together anymore, so it leaves the money got my college education up in the air. Neither of them has come up with a plan to help pay for my education and I can't get a job (insurance reasons). The good news is that I'll be able to pay for some of my college education through finacial aid. However, my dreams of going out of state and my dreams of going to Stanford and Berkeley are pretty much blown out of the water. UC's have just increased their fees again another 10%+. Damn Arnold and Davis, fucking idiots. So with my options now limited to state colleges here in CA I have decided to go to San Francisco State, since its cheap and I won't have to worry about any fees other than living expenses. This whole situation has just pissed me off, but I'm a pretty apathetic person so I usually just roll with the punches. Maybe its a blessing actually, I'll be able to save some money and then go to grad school at a more prestigous university. And I could have bigger problems than this.

Mini Rant: If anyone thinks that education is available for anyone who needs it, then they are sadly mistaken. In the world we live in, the a lot of people who don't have money won't get the same education that a rich person has. I think thats bullshit. Education is one of the most overlooked issues in America, people don't care about unless it directly effects them or their kids. Education funding is always the first place politicans look when they need to trim the budget. I'm sick of being a marginalized middle class student.

Vince · 09-21-2004, 04:41 AM

Not sure what your insurance reasons are for not getting a job, but with no financial help from the government, limited loans (< $10k), and very limited support from my parents (< $5k), I paid for 5 years of UC schooling myself with a job. I still enjoyed myself tremendously during college, paid my own rent, tuition, books, etc.

It's doable, just neither easy nor fun as having it paid for.

Antmeister · 09-21-2004, 05:11 AM

Well I would like to first congratulate you for trudging through the JC level to go to a 4 year university. I always thought that was the best way to go because you save a lot more money in the long run.

Second, I would have to say I feel badly about you situation, but luckily you are at the age where you are about to move on.

With all that said, just make the best of the situation. At the moment, it may look like the worst situation ever, but you may find in your later years that you are glad certain events had happened. I am only talking from my own life experiences and hope that you don't take this time stressing over the present, when you could be looking at creating your own future.

sachmo71 · 09-21-2004, 09:49 AM

Sorry to hear about your parents splitting up.

You can work your way though school, and pay for insurance to boot. When I went to college, they offered free healthcare for full-time students. Not sure if that is the case anymore, but there is probably some option.

Fonzie · 09-21-2004, 09:56 AM

Sorry Sharpieman, that's a bad situation. My heart goes out to you.

However, your parents' divorce may now qualify for additional financial aid, as you will only be required to report the income of your custodial parent on your financial aid application (at least that's my understanding of the way it was 15 years ago). That was my situation, and because my mom wasn't making much I was able to get considerable need-based grant money, work-study jobs, and a few student loans. Enough to allow me to afford Northwestern University, at least.

Best of luck to you.

miked · 09-21-2004, 10:45 AM

I chose Rutgers (~5-6k per year) over Emory (25k per year) because of similar reasons. Best decision ever. You'll have a better feeling knowing you got a pretty good education and aren't $75-100k in debt. Colleges suck when you have to actually pay.

But it does suck, and I feel for ya.

Raiders Army · 09-21-2004, 11:22 AM

My condolences to you for your parents' divorce. My education was 100% paid for by the United States Government. All you have to do is apply for West Point...

...it was the hardest college to get into last year according to the Princeton Review, but it's well worth it for the education that you get.

KevinNU7 · 09-21-2004, 11:26 AM

Go to salliemae.com and get a clue. You can take out private loans to cover all of your expenses. When people say they can't get enough money for college it is the most bullshit excuse ever. You just don't want all the loans to deal with when you are done.

KevinNU7 · 09-21-2004, 11:27 AM

Dola,

My condolences on the parental issues

09-21-2004, 04:41 AM	#2
Vince Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Willow Glen, CA	Not sure what your insurance reasons are for not getting a job, but with no financial help from the government, limited loans (< $10k), and very limited support from my parents (< $5k), I paid for 5 years of UC schooling myself with a job. I still enjoyed myself tremendously during college, paid my own rent, tuition, books, etc. It's doable, just neither easy nor fun as having it paid for. __________________ Every time a Dodger scores a run, an angel has its wings ripped off by a demon, and is forced to tearfully beg the demon to cauterize the wounds.The demon will refuse, and the sobbing angel will lie in a puddle of angel blood and feathers for eternity, wondering why the Dodgers are allowed to score runs.That’s not me talking: that’s science. McCoveyChronicles.com. Last edited by Vince : 09-21-2004 at 04:43 AM.

09-21-2004, 09:56 AM	#5
Fonzie Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Illinois	Sorry Sharpieman, that's a bad situation. My heart goes out to you. However, your parents' divorce may now qualify for additional financial aid, as you will only be required to report the income of your custodial parent on your financial aid application (at least that's my understanding of the way it was 15 years ago). That was my situation, and because my mom wasn't making much I was able to get considerable need-based grant money, work-study jobs, and a few student loans. Enough to allow me to afford Northwestern University, at least. Best of luck to you. Last edited by Fonzie : 09-21-2004 at 09:57 AM.

09-21-2004, 10:45 AM	#6
miked College Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The Dirty	I chose Rutgers (~5-6k per year) over Emory (25k per year) because of similar reasons. Best decision ever. You'll have a better feeling knowing you got a pretty good education and aren't $75-100k in debt. Colleges suck when you have to actually pay. But it does suck, and I feel for ya. Last edited by miked : 09-21-2004 at 10:46 AM.

09-21-2004, 11:26 AM	#8
KevinNU7 College Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: Beantown	Go to salliemae.com and get a clue. You can take out private loans to cover all of your expenses. When people say they can't get enough money for college it is the most bullshit excuse ever. You just don't want all the loans to deal with when you are done. __________________ Boston Bashers - III.14 - (8347)

09-21-2004, 11:27 AM	#9
KevinNU7 College Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: Beantown	Dola, My condolences on the parental issues __________________ Boston Bashers - III.14 - (8347)

09-21-2004, 05:11 AM	#3
Antmeister Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: At the corner of Beat Street and Electric Avenue	Well I would like to first congratulate you for trudging through the JC level to go to a 4 year university. I always thought that was the best way to go because you save a lot more money in the long run. Second, I would have to say I feel badly about you situation, but luckily you are at the age where you are about to move on. With all that said, just make the best of the situation. At the moment, it may look like the worst situation ever, but you may find in your later years that you are glad certain events had happened. I am only talking from my own life experiences and hope that you don't take this time stressing over the present, when you could be looking at creating your own future.

09-21-2004, 09:49 AM	#4
sachmo71 The boy who cried Trout Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: TX	Sorry to hear about your parents splitting up. You can work your way though school, and pay for insurance to boot. When I went to college, they offered free healthcare for full-time students. Not sure if that is the case anymore, but there is probably some option.

09-21-2004, 11:22 AM	#7
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	My condolences to you for your parents' divorce. My education was 100% paid for by the United States Government. All you have to do is apply for West Point... ...it was the hardest college to get into last year according to the Princeton Review, but it's well worth it for the education that you get.

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