College or university non-attendees...what's stopping you?

[The Dopefish]

I've recently decided to make a good push for University of New Hampshire after three years of being out of high school. Unfortunately, I work at a place which pays OK for someone living at home but gives you too much reason to give it back (they might as well pay me in DVDs or games), so my first concern is money. My next concern has been what I'd do, but I've come to the conclusion that I'd probably be well off getting a major in anything if possible (English - journalism is a good thought) and that's been the major roadblock for some time. Third is if I'd be able to transcend my high school underperformance and do decently enough, which isn't much of a concern if I don't let it be one. So, money's the big issue now. I've hated the idea of student loans -- how I'd be wallowing in some sort of debt for at least 10 years -- but if I'm going to make something of myself I'd better not let that bother me anymore. If the government is willing to pay for my learning, then so be it. The social and personal benefits are well established for any college, but $9K+ ($15+K if I dorm it) a year is no picnic.

Anyone else considering taking the next step but scuffling for some reason?

[MAdgryphon]

I'm at the end of my first year of college, and you're probably doing the right thing. As far as the loans go, unless you can get grants or a rich relative dies, loans are pretty much unavoidable. All you can do is try to minimize the damage, and get used to the idea of paying them back for the next ten (billion) years.

[AriTheDog]

If you're worried about money, live at home while you go to school, and take your first two years at a junior college.

If you figure you'll be paying your way, now might be a time to stop buying those DVDs and start saving money.

[Bean316]

While I have the luxury of not worrying about loans, I've always felt that if I ever did lose my scholarships, I'd bite the bullet and take those loans, because if came down to me not going to school and paying loans...guess what...I'll pay those loans. And it should be worth that much to you.

As for dorms...I guess since you're 21, I'm not so sure how that'll work for you. I know lots of campuses have that whole "dorm life" going, but I go to ASU, where 1 year is ENOUGH. I'm not sure if you'll like it so much. Might as well hunt for somewhere off campus (house maybe) that's cheaper, more comfortable, and a better way to spend your money. Then again, since you have been out of school, I don't know if you know many people at UNH to go bunk with.

If you really work yourself hard your first year, perhaps you can pick up some merit based help.

That's all I can think of now...finals=brain drain.

[anaemic]

end of my first year at uni, and im dropping out and going back to normal life.
you dont have to go to uni you know...

[Vers Vlees]

you dont have to go to uni you know...

W3rd

For me I did go to college for 3 months but I didnt like it and I wanted to search for a proper study. In the meantime i was going to highschool to get a higher grade so I can go to university. (yes I know its possible to get your prodeuse at the college and move up to uni but you choices are very limited often you can only attend uni if choose a study that is the same as your previous college one)

Talking about highschool I need to learn hardcore because the finals are comming :p

[mokeh]

end of my first year at uni, and im dropping out and going back to normal life.
you dont have to go to uni you know...

I heard if you dont goto uni you will clean toilets all your life and have to wear bin bags as clothes 8)

[Azura]

If you're worried about money, live at home while you go to school, and take your first two years at a junior college.

If you figure you'll be paying your way, now might be a time to stop buying those DVDs and start saving money.

Sound advice.

[stoned_jedi]

the only thing stopping me is money, cant stop at home and would have no support other than my own money, i would love to study egyptology, and even got accepted into the university college of london to study it when i left school, but had to work instead :/

[phatcat]

Best way to deal with loans, espacially if your staying with the folks is stay one year at home after you get your career and that should be enough to KO all or most of it. Worked great for my lil bro, and I'll be doing the same when I graduate this winter.

[Allison]

A community college is a great idea. I've found that the education you get at a good community college can be equal, or superior to the education you get at an average four-year university. And, if you spend a couple of years kicking ass at a community college, not only will you save a boatload of money, but you'll have a better chance at a merit scholarship when you transfer to university.

If you decide to go that route, though, just be careful about your class selection. Community Colleges cater to a diverse group of students, so they offer tougher classes for students who are preparing for a four-year university, and they offer easier classes for students who are just there to learn a little something more. Those "easier" classes don't always transfer, so make sure you work with your counselor. He should be able to give you a list of the classes they offer that are accepted by universities in your state, (For example, the community college's offering of Micro-Economics may not transfer, but Macro-Economics will -- that sort of thing. ), and they probably even have some sort of a "general transfer studies" degree that will guarantee all your classes will transfer as a block.

[Thrash123]

I have 1 more semester, and then I graduate.

Apply to as many scholarships as you can. Even if they are only for a couple hundred. They will add up. Definately do the ones where you get to tell a sob-story :) Have a few people who are good w/ papers proofread for you, too.

Also, keep up on the financial aid part of your attendance - some colleges won't even tell you to renew your financial aid stuff. One of my friends had to transfer because they didn't notify her to take care of financial aid for the next semester.