<p>(Just a personal rant; no need for a response.)</p>
<p>God, I hate being poor. Seriously. I think I’ve decided on civil (architectural/ structural) engineering, but they don’t offer that at any of the local colleges; I live near UTD, UNT, and Austin College, but none of them offer civil engineering. I hate how my dad insists that I get ahead of the college process (and I should), but then denies me of any of the schools. I know he means well and would want me to go wherever I desire while being able to pay for it, but we can’t - and I don’t blame him. I’m not mad at my dad, but I’m getting sick of getting my hopes up before finances take all of it away. It sucks, too, since I’m a relatively smart kid with (relatively) good grades and taking mostly IB classes. I know I haven’t exactly turned in my applications anywhere, but I’m pretty confident that I won’t get enough grants and scholarships. Plus, I’ll need a car and probably a laptop…</p>
<p>Sorry to rant; just needed to get this out somewhere. :(</p>
<p>I have a couple of suggestions that you may not want to hear because your heart is set on a 4 year school right away, but bear with me:</p>
<p>Go to a C.C. and do the Engineering pre-major program. If you get good grades, you’ll most likely be able to transfer to any engineering program in the state, and at a fraction of the cost while you’re at the CC. Your financial aid will most likely pay for all of your tuition and books at such a school. I would also wager you’ll do better in the freshman/sophomore level courses at a CC than you would a big university. Classes are smaller and you actually have professors teaching, not a bunch of TAs in a huge lecture hall. Not to mention, CC profs are they because they like to teach, not for the research.</p>
<p>Or…something that is drastic, but nonetheless a viable option:</p>
<p>join the military (reserve or active). Voila, you have free school (if you decide on a public school anyways…). I know the Army and Air Force offer tuition assistance to reservists…all of the services offer the Montgomery GI Bill. Plus it’s a great feeling to serve your country.</p>
<p>The last alternative would be the dreaded student loan.</p>