My Financial Aid Story
I want to relay a personal experience that I believe speaks volumes about the Financial Aid and Student Loan programs that exist in our society today. Depending on who you speak with, you can hear many negative things about financial aid or securing a student loan. I have some positives I want to speak about.
I recently enrolled in a local trade school. After many years in the retail sales and financial world, I decided I needed to do something a little more reliable. I am attending school at this time to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
Just the simple process of making this decision at my late age in life was pretty exciting. Then my thoughts went to “what is this going to cost, and how am I going to pay for it.” So, I just started researching on the internet all the local schools that have certified courses in this field. Honestly, not too many got back to me. The one that did, I made an appointment to see the recruiter and we set and talked about what I was looking for. This was very helpful. He was able to provide me with many different options and prices.
Well, I did decide to enroll in this program and actually starting about five days later. I do not let any grass grow under me feed once I make a decision. I met with the financial aid person that same night. They simply let me know what the different options were. They walked me through the free FAFSA application that evening. I left there office that night knowing what kind of student loan and how much it would entail. I also left knowing what my portion of the balance would entail.
I met again with her just before my first class. At this point, she let me know I also qualified for a Pell Grant. This is free money you do not have to pay back. That is good in my book. At this time, I signed all the paperwork and they arrange for a private student loan for the balance left. I did learn the next day I was turned down for the private student loan. But you know what, that was ok. This college of my choice said we will finance you. I signed on the dotted line at a very reasonable rate and went to class.
I will be attending an 8-month course and paying a very minimal monthly fee to the college and all my student loans will be deferred. In other words, I do not have to worry about them until 6 months after I have graduated. At that time, I will be gainfully employed and will have no problems paying my student loans back.
Now I ask you how simple of a process do you want. I will be honest with you. I have attended college before and found the same thing with the other college I attended. They want you to attend there school so they will make it easy for you to do so.
Going to college does not need to be a headache or any pain in your side. Seek out the help of your financial aid counselors and I guarantee you an easy successful time in college. Yes, it is nice to be aware of all the fact. Infact I encourage you to do the research. Have the information and see the counselor. Simplify were every possible. This goes for the remainer of your life. Make it a good one.
