I need some serious help regarding college.

[Chaotic42]

I'm 21 and I want to go to school next year (Fall 2004). I went to the Unversity of Mississippi in the Fall of 1998. My mom died in Feb 1999, and I quit going to class.

Now I want to go back to school. This time I want to go to Louisiana State University. I got scholarships last time, and my high school took care of most of the paper work. I have no idea where to start.

I of course, want any financial help I can get. I scored 30 on my ACT and had a 3.4 GPA in high school. What should I do? Can I get scholarships? Grants? Since I was born in Louisiana, do I get automatic residency? If I can't get scholarships or grants, what do I do about loans?

Do I have to take the SAT or ACT again?

Please, I'm totally lost here. All I know is I want to go to school for the next 12 years or so and get a doctorate. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[tontod]

You could always apply for a student loan. Try here. I have my loan through them.

 

[LoveDoc]

I would start by filling out and submitting a FAFSA application... Then your best bet for answer I would think would be to actually go to the schools admissions building and speak to an admissions counselour there about all your options. If making it there would be a problem you can always call up and request to speak to a counselour over the phone.

 

[AreaCode707]

Go to the school's website, click on undergraduate admissions. There are forms and stuff to fill out there, all the instructions you need to apply.

 

[Chaotic42]

Yeah, LSU is about 1000 miles from here. Is it too early to apply for things now?

 

[LoveDoc]

Maybe a bit too early to start applying.. Give it a couple months or so.. Since you are over 1000 miles away I would definately give them a call though and speak to either an admissions or financial counselour over the phone about your situation and ask them what route you would have to take.

 

[CanOWorms]

Cool, what do you want to get your phd in? You should check the school to see when their application deadline is. Some have a January deadline, others later, some rolling. You may be able to apply now for the spring semester!

 

[Sukhoi]

I think I remember some November deadlines for when I was applying, so don't wait too long!

 

[Willoughbyva]

In my state I think you have to live as a resident for 2-3 years before you can qualify for in state tuition.

 

[anno]

Since I was born in Louisiana, do I get automatic residency?

I doubt..

go to fastweb, register there, see if they have info about scholarships for returning students.. may not help, but.. can't hurt..

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms
Cool, what do you want to get your phd in? You should check the school to see when their application deadline is. Some have a January deadline, others later, some rolling. You may be able to apply now for the spring semester!

Ideally I'd like to double doctorate in Physics and Astronomy. I'd like to stay in college until I'm old and gray.

I want to do research, teach, and stay involved with the subjects.

I can't apply for the Spring Semester. It will have to be fall. There are some things I need to take care of before I go off to college.

Being as old as I am, can stay in the dorms since I'll be a freshman?

 

[simms]

Kudos to you for having the strength to have another go at it. I'm going into my first year myself, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: simms
Kudos to you for having the strength to have another go at it. I'm going into my first year myself, and I wish you the best of luck.

I feel that it's what I'm destined to do.

 

[tokamak]

i havent been there in a long time so it may have changed but www.fastweb.com used to have a lot of links to scholarships

 

[Chaotic42]

Anyone else have any insight? I'm dead set on astrophysics now.

 

You can get finacial aid, is your dad still alive? Does he make alot of money? Talk to you finacial advisor for your best options in your state. I have my first two years of college paid for with grants....

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Phocas
You can get finacial aid, is your dad still alive? Does he make alot of money? Talk to you finacial advisor for your best options in your state. I have my first two years of college paid for with grants....

Yes, he's still alive. He personally makes Social Security and E-7 pay grade military retirement pay.

I live in a state other than the one I want to go to school in. Will this be a problem for getting money?

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Phocas
You can get finacial aid, is your dad still alive? Does he make alot of money? Talk to you finacial advisor for your best options in your state. I have my first two years of college paid for with grants....

Yes, he's still alive. He personally makes Social Security and E-7 pay grade military retirement pay.

I live in a state other than the one I want to go to school in. Will this be a problem for getting money?

The state shouldn't matter a whole lot as the FAFSA is federal.

 

[Regs]

Depending on your income and who you live with, the FAFSA could be of major help. Low interest school loans and federal grants. Hell my sis went to school with the loans and used all the federal grants for spending cash! But of course, gas, cloths, books, supplies, ect...all adds up.