<p>I had medical issues so I started taking out loans to pay for school. My EFC is 0, my mom is single and unemployed and my brother is going to school now too. I thought I would get more aid and I got a lot less. I attributed this to increased tuition prices at my school and the economy. I’m incredibly distressed because I used to receive great grants and now they’re gone or insulting. One of them offering me $100 when I used to receive $1400. Is this because of the loans? the only change in my situation is that I need more because my brother goes to college now and I try to help him out.</p>
<p>I don’t know what to do and am even thinking about taking a break for a semester or year- so that when I start again I get the maximum benefit of need and merit based grants. Also I go to a florida school, so I get the Bright Futures scholarship (what’s left of it anyway) and I want the rest of the credits I need to be as “free” as possible- you stop getting bright futures after 120 credits and I had a major change so I will graduating late and paying a lot by my fifth year. (bright futures used to pay 100% tuition and now pays part of it… it’s been getting reduced)</p>
<p>Can someone please enlighten me? I don’t need someone chastising me for taking a break when I’m trying to minimize the cost of college. My boyfriend would let me live with him for the fall semester and I planned on working for the college disney program in spring anyway so I would not have issues such as rent impeding on me. </p>
<p>I really don’t want to be late in graduating school, but I can’t take he fact that I would be paying back 10,000 that I shouldn’t be paying in the first place. I’ve been diagnosed with depression anyway, so maybe the break would help- Everything including school and financial situation has made my grades drop. 3.5 gpa and I currently have C’s and D’s so I will have less chances for scholarships in the following year =(.</p>
<p>I’ve emailed my financial aid advisor but I’m not sure what he can do. I’ve canceled my loans, but I don’t think it will make a difference. I applied super early for FAFSA in february, but I think since it’s April, they will have budgeted the grant distributions and I’m not part of it. My friend applied for her FAFSA late last year and she didn’t get any of the grants so I doubt my estimated award will change. </p>
<p>I hope someone with experience can help, thank you</p>