A good education is expensive

[Marigold2]

Yes it is very expensive to go but more so to not. Without college a women is at a great disadvantage all her life. Karen gave some great advice. Don't let anything stop you from getting your education. You will never regret it.

[RICHARD]

Here in California, the state just increased fees by 33%.

Naturally, the students protested the raise.

During the protests they interviewed one kid that was not very well spoken.

He began to complain about the increase, the hardship and said something like, The school charges a great deal of money for sub par education.
But it was the way he said it that shocked me.....
'You know, the school charges way too much for education that is no good'.

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I didn't catch where it happened, but a bunch of kids vandalized some school president's home on account of the increase-as if he had something to do with it?


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Like Karen said,

One way to maximize your school dollars is to take classes at local or state colleges. You can transfer some credits to Uni's-take basic classes at a JC, then when you find that you need a specialized major, you are not as burdened when you transfer to a large institute.

Oh and plan ahead, even if it is a loose outline of what you want with your education, think a few semesters ahead.

Be prepared,

You will take at least ONE class that will make you want to change your direction in life, I guarantee it.

And do not hesitate to change a class if you do not like the teacher.

I have spent a few classes hating the teacher, the way they taught and have settled for a less-than-stellar grade because I was too stupid and lazy to change a class.

IT's your education and you will be more that thrilled when you finish a class with a great teacher, that has a good teaching style. You'll know it because you WANT to go to class.

[pomtzu]

I consider myself fortunate that I'm not in the generation just starting out - having to get a college education in order to get any kind of decent paying job.

When I was starting my adult life in the early 60's, you could get a very good job with just a h.s. diploma, and a few extra tech courses or even seminars, got you even a better one.

Back then - work/life experience counted a great deal - but not today. I was in the business/accounting field, and always had a good job with good pay, even tho I didn't have any degree that placed a lot of letters after my name. Both of my brothers were brilliant engineers, and my oldest brother holds several patents, both h.s. school graduates with a few specialty courses and apprenticeships - no college degrees - just on the job experience.

Of course this is not possible in today's hi-tech world. It's a shame that so many very intelligent people will not be able to achieve the max of their potential, simply because they cannot afford the expense of college, and cannot benefit from on the job experience, because they won't be hired without that college degree.

[Freedom]

the financial aid office can help you set up
- scholarships
- loans
- work study oppotunities.

[sumbirdy]

Thanks everyone. The college I'm planning on going to is a Community College. Therefore it is a lot cheaper, but still costs more than I can really afford. Living with my friend this next year will let me save a little bit of money for it, but not a whole lot. I definetely still plan on going, no matter what it takes. It's just stressful thinking about all the preperations I have to make for it.

[Karen]

Definitely talk with them about financial aid, okay? There are myriad forms you need to fill out and all that - and they can guide you through it!

[momcat]

Congratulations and the best of luck in college! You've made the right decision and you won't regret it. Definitely work with your financial aid office. The funding is out there so take the initiative. If you do computers, search scholarships, grants and the like. Apply for anything you might be eligible for, you have nothing to loose.

I did my first few years of college part time while working full time to get the money. Sure it was tough but I'd do it again. My son is doing it the same way and he's doing very well. Keep all your options open and above all else, keep doing your research on funding.

[lizbud]

Thanks everyone. The college I'm planning on going to is a Community College. Therefore it is a lot cheaper, but still costs more than I can really afford. Living with my friend this next year will let me save a little bit of money for it, but not a whole lot. I definetely still plan on going, no matter what it takes. It's just stressful thinking about all the preperations I have to make for it.

The stress will lessen ounce you start acting on your goals. If you get
down about all the things you have to do,or how long it will take,
just stop and think where you'll be ten years from now if you don't do anything.
Best of luck to you.