Financial Issues!

[Pretty POHA]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I did a forum search and didn't quite find the answers I am looking for.

I'm a 25 yr old single female, junior, 3.92 GPA, have 2.5 more years of undergrad.
I've applied for numerous scholarships.
Frankly, although I've applied for many, I simply don't have the time between taking a full load (14-15 credit hours) and working full time to dedicate to writing the same essays over and over again for these scholarships I find on www.fastweb.com.

I HAVE taken a lot of time writing essays for scholarships in the last few years, and I am a strong writer, but have not heard anything from these scholarships, in spite of my academic performance.

I do get student loans. I don't qualify for grants because I apparently don't have a financial need. This is also according to FAFSA.

While in school, I haven't made more than $25,000 in a year. It is very difficult to pay the rent, car payment, car insurance, health insurance, credit card debts, cell phone bill, utilities, etc. off of only $25K a year. Not to mention affording to pay for books, tuition, fees, and all the other school expenses. I don't demonstrate financial need... I'm in state, paying residential tuition...

I'd like nothing more than to not work at all. How do I do this and still survive?

 

[t33sg1rl]

I've been there, believe me... what I learned is that it takes money to save money.

Things we did: I found a job with tuition benefits. Live close enough to walk/take the bus, allowing us to go from 2 cars to 1. Ditched cell phones, internet, cable TV, and restaurants. Shop Goodwill. And we made a huge priority of putting away money every month so that we weren't caught short by suprise expenses.

I know changing jobs and apartments seems like a big deal, and now that we're all grown up, many cheap rooming situations seems unthinkable... you thought you were all done with roommates, boarding houses, and used clothing years ago, but once you start, it really isn't so bad. Plus, it's worth the hassle of moving to save hundreds every month on transportation and rent. It's all about learning to live on less-and believe me, when you start school full time, your frugal habits will really help you out.

 

[cutie_monkey]

I can totally feel you.

I have been working since I was 16 and the $$$ that I get paid while I was in college amount to nada (nothing). I was struggling anywhere between 16-22 hrs load and working at the same time...yike..not sure how I did it then.

I was lucky enough to find an old very nice Christian couple that wanted to rent out their guest room so my expense for housing then was around $350/mth. I would suggest you on sharing room like this because it is much cheaper than living by yourself. Anyhow, I worked through college to help with personal expenses. My tuition was covered with loans and financial aid.

I totally agree with t33sg1rl. Learning to live cheap is hard but it helps a lot. Just think that you only need to sacrifice a few years but once become a Doc it will be paid off. 🙂

G'luck!

 

[MD2b20004]

I can totally feel you.

I have been working since I was 16 and the $$$ that I get paid while I was in college amount to nada (nothing). I was struggling anywhere between 16-22 hrs load and working at the same time...yike..not sure how I did it then.

I was lucky enough to find an old very nice Christian couple that wanted to rent out their guest room so my expense for housing then was around $350/mth. I would suggest you on sharing room like this because it is much cheaper than living by yourself. Anyhow, I worked through college to help with personal expenses. My tuition was covered with loans and financial aid.

I totally agree with t33sg1rl. Learning to live cheap is hard but it helps a lot. Just think that you only need to sacrifice a few years but once become a Doc it will be paid off. 🙂

G'luck!

As an independent student at my undergrad university, a private very expensive one, if i worked fulltime making over 14,000 a year i would of lost all my scholarships and grants, basically what i am saying me not making less than 5K a year is what got me my full tuition scholarship and grants based both on grades and financial need, they feel way more sorry for u and willing to give you a heck of alot more money when your broke and dont work. If they see your making a living and making 25K they woulda gave you nada at my school.