So Discouraged and Sad

United States
March 8, 2012 7:16pm CST
I have been out of college for several years and have been thinking about going back for my masters for about half that time. It wasn't really anything I thought I wanted to do but now I do. For a while it was just going back to school for the sake of going to school until I found this program. I was thinking one day, "Why don't the Art Institutes offer creative writing programs?" And then some little voice in my head said "Have you tried the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (the alma mater of someone I admire very much)?" And what'd ya know? They have what sounds like the absolute perfect program for me!! It's an MFA in Writing, I can focus on any kind of writing I want or several kinds, they don't lock students into any one kind of writing, and they encourage writing students to do a cross-disciplinary study in another area, which means I can study photography and print media as well, putting all of this toward becoming an indie publisher, which I have recently decided is what I really want to be when I grow up. I haven't heard back from them on whether or not I've been accepted. A guy I talked to in the admissions office said they usually start sending out decisions 6-8 weeks after the application deadline, which was January 17, so I'm not worried about that yet. But if I do get accepted, I have NO IDEA how I am going to pay for it. It's very expensive - one semester costs almost as much as my loans for my full five years of undergraduates!! - and I can't get any more loan money from the government. If I get accepted I am eligible for scholarships but there's no way they'll pay for everything, if I even get any. And I fully intend to apply for a teaching assistanceship but again... not going to pay for everything. I am so sad and discouraged that I have figured out what I really want to do, found a graduate program that fits perfectly, and I still might not be able to do it because of money.
1 person likes this
4 responses
• United States
1 Apr 12
Don't give up just yet. There are many options for you to check out. The first step is to recheck your FAFSA, sometimes they can actually find money for you that you didn't think was there. If you have paid any on your undergraduate loans, they should let you get more. If you don't have anything, there are a lot of loan programs out there for school. Don't forget about grants. You don't have to pay these back, so do some research on any grants that you may be able to qualify for. There are also a ton of scholarships. Talk with the financial aid office at the school. They should be able to point you in the right direction to get scholarships. If you were involved with any student organizations in college, check to see if there are scholarships just for that organization. If that doesn't work talk to financial aid about their payment plans and see if one works for you. If all else fails, you may want to look into going part time. Only take one class at a time if you can afford that. I know some people that do it this way. Don't give up on your dream. It may take time to research everything, but there truly are a lot of options to help you continue your education.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
13 Mar 12
Personally, it is sad what Schools are charging these days, especially universities, etc. It makes you wonder how anyone is supposed to get a Degree anymore and be qualified for some of the better jobs out there. I know myself for some reason even though I have had a Business license for yrs. the reg. jobs never think about moving me up. They just want me as their peon, which only motivates me more to build my business and become Self sufficient that way. I guess for you I would be seeking out other options, and then decide for yourself what is Best.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
9 Mar 12
I know that is hard, and it strictly related to money matter. The best you can do might apply for financial aid, and to see what type of government assistance you might get first. Unavoidably, you might need to work part - time, or even full - time to afford your tuition if you want to attend your school full time. It will be quite an expensive though, but it is for your future though, it is worthwhile. Good luck!
9 Mar 12
if you are accepted. i think it is very good opportunity for you,your dream can come true and you can learn that you like.i am very envy.so you can loan the miney from the government,when you gradute, you can apply for the good job.my most of the classmate is like your situation.once you lost it,you will be blame yourself forever.during it ,you face all kind of thing and slowly grow up.you are waiting for it.whatever the result is,you can learn something fron it.so good luck