<p>After HS, I realized that I was both too immature to go attend a 4 year university and my grades weren’t high enough to get me into the one I felt fitting. Long story short, I moved out when I was 19, and have been independent since. After watching my brother apply for FASFA and get nothing (parents make 250k+ a year) I knew that school would be unaffordable and I didn’t want to rack up thousands of dollars in debt (which you can’t default on, its stuck with you forever). So I decided to methodically plan out how i’d get an education.</p>
<p>Step 1: Get a JOB: At 19, I got a great job at a iPod repair company, which snowballed into a computer repair company, then winded up with me leaving for a Visual FX house in LA, then finally moving on to a Fortune 500 company in the IT department. Most of the people who work with me are ten years older and it’s the job you’d expect to get once finished with college.</p>
<p>Step 2: Enroll in minimal units at local community college (took 3-6 a semester, sometimes skipping semesters) I just got my IGETC pre-recs + pre-recs for certain UC’s and all Cal States. I’m now 23, and will be applying to college in the fall of this year with a 3.00 (exactly) GPA. </p>
<p>*Why take so long? Because on Jan 1st of the year you turn 24, you’re able to apply for financial aid regardless and FASFA no longer looks at your parents income! Genius. So depending on the institution I should be receiving a sizable amount of financial aid in congruence with state grants (cal grant) and what ever else I can find to help poor people. Also, once i’m done with school, my resume will be stacked and complete with the new degree!</p>
<p>Step 3: Where to go to school?
This is the hard part for me. Find a political science program that is in a non-heavy research school, on a large campus.
Firstly, I’m paying the teachers to teach me, not paying for the opportunity to teach my self and get graded by a TA.
Second, I want a large campus because it increases the chance that a potential employer went to school there.
I’d prefer a non-commuter school (CalPoly SLO and SDSU are my primary objectives) but i’d settle for most of the cal states (Cal State LA?).
I really only want to go to a CalState because of the affordability factor. I will go to a UC as long as the financial aid package pays for 100% or nearly all of the education. </p>
<p>It all really depends on the financial aid package, which i’m hoping is substantial. </p>
<p>You seem the kind of person who gets ahead of the pack by researching what he needs ahead of time. If your GPA was higher, I’d say you have a shot at UCLA and Cal (they like students like that). </p>
<p>If the FAFSA truly considers you independent at that point, and your income is poverty level, you should get good need-based aid from the UC’s, regardless. At this income level, your tuition will be covered at either a CSU or a UC; you’d be responsible mostly for your living costs, which you can pay for with loans or a job. So don’t let that stop you from applying to UC’s. </p>
<p>Right now, you would probably be best off visiting the individual schools, and finding out about their programs. </p>
<p>What is your goal as a political science major? Planning on graduate school?</p>
<p>Good to hear! UCLA would be a fantastic place because I already have my own place in LA and it’s not too far of a drive. I could also continue to work some days, but i’d like to just focus on school.</p>
<p>I am looking for a good poly sci program but i’d also love to find a school with a great study abroad program. Most of the cal states have pretty good ones, I am sure UCLA does as well.</p>
<p>I don’t have a goal outside of Poly Sci except to contemplate law school. Im really getting the degree because I love politics and poly sci is “who gets what, when, where, why and how” which is business.</p>
<p>@Bluecholeric</p>
<p>Because they paid for private school my whole life, I didn’t get the grades to get into a great school and I have been on my own since 19. I’m sure my dad will help with housing if I decide to completely step away from work, but I am aiming to do it all on my own because</p>
<p>1) I am too old to be relying on my parents anymore.
2) The government will pay for me.
3) It’s my education, my responsibility. My parents have done enough…</p>
<p>@rhuynh
Won’t matter anymore, I will be turn 24 in 2014 so when I apply for financial aid in early 2014 (January 1st o the year you turn 24 is when FASFA stops looking at parents) I’ll be fine.</p>
<p>On another note, I’d really recommend this to anyone whos thinking about student loans. Work for till ur 24, save money, learn what you want, while getting your IGETC from local california community college, then transfer.</p>
<p>All the UC’s have an amazing Study Abroad program. They are all integrated to a single program called UCEAP. Nothing against CSU’s, but don’t settle for one. Aim higher – aim for a UC. Hell, aim for UCLA like others have said. No matter what UC you decide to attend, you will be able to study abroad via UCEAP. They have different programs for different countries. Look them up. They practically have a program for almost any country. I am going to study abroad next year in Madrid, Spain for an entire year through UCEAP. If you’re worried about costs, your FAFSA can be used towards your abroad expenses. Essentially, studying abroad would cost the same as your tuition, the only differences is the living expenses. Sometimes, it may be cheaper to study abroad, depending where, than it is to stay at your UC. Furthermore, all the coursework will transfer over back to your UC, so don’t think you will be wasting time.</p>