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college: difficult parents
So, i really, really want to go george mason university in the fall. My parents are being extremely difficult, though. It's the most expensive school I've been accepted to but it's not through the roof like a private school. I'm convinced that it's the best school for me out of all the school's I've been accepted to. I really need advice on what I can say to them to sell them on it.
Also, is it possible to get financial aid from a college just by calling them and asking them about it?
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The answer is as simple as it is unpleasant: student loan. Recent changes to student loan programs make it a bit easier on the repayment side, but there is no doubt you will be incurring a debt to be repaid, at least in part, over a considerable period of time. Calling George Mason financial aid offices and finding out the precise nature of the likely loan amount and repayment options will give you all the information you need to make a life-changing decision. There is a really good web page with info, including a deferred payment plan, at:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
According to the site below, George Mason will cost you around $27K per year for tuition:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
The majority of students received around $10K support, and over half took out student loans for the remaining $18K. 35% of the students received a merit-based gift (grades, SAT/ACT).
Now the tough part of my answer that you will probably not like to hear. If you really want to go to George Mason, the ball is in your court, not your parents. An obvious compromise is for them to provide the amount of support they think is reasonable and for you to come up with the rest through student loans, work, etc. Ultimately, however, it is your education, your life, and you who will benefit from realizing your dream of going to George Mason. Welcome to the adult world.
Good luck!
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The answer to your last question is no. Every college you go to will make you fill out a FAFSA form which will decide how much, if any, financial aid you are eligible for. You will fill one of these forms out every year you are in college, and it is based on how much income your parents brought in the previous year. It will be based on their income and any other money source they have, how many dependents are living in the household, among other things.
A lot of teachers, advisors, etc. will tell students to never think they can't go to a school just because of the price. As great as this may sound, it's actually one of the biggest factors you should consider. Do you really want to take out thousands of dollars worth of loans each year you are in school, and then be in debt when you graduate?
I am in no way trying to discourage you, but if you live in a middle class family, you probably won't get enough financial aid to cover a significant amount of the expenses; and unfortuantely, your family income probably isn't large enough to cover your college expenses without putting your family completely in a hole that will be near impossible to dig themselves out of.
I don't think you should completely rule out this particular university, but you should defintely keep your options open because sadly enough, there is a chance it's just not going to happen. If it's just not in your family's power, there isn't anything you can do. I doubt your family is just being difficult for the sake of being difficult. They love you, and want you to be able to go to the school of your dreams, but they can't perform miracles. What do you want them to do? Plant a money tree?
Here is what you need to do. Go talk to your advisor and ask about scholarships. Apply to as many as you can and see what you can come up with. Then talk to your parents and see how much they are willing to splurge on your schooling. After that, fill out a FAFSA form and see how much you are eligible for. Who knows? With the scholarships, financial aid, grants, etc. it may just be in your parents ability to cover the rest.
If not, consider going to a cheaper school for the first 2 years. Start saving up and ask your parents to do the same. You can transfer later to this university if it's still what you want.
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