I just got accepted into a top-notch camp; is it fair on my family? How can I afford it?

Question

I am a cellist and I just got accepted into a camp where I can tour Europe and study with world-class musicians. However, it is 5,000 dollars; we don't have that kind of money laying around! My dad says that we will take out a loan if I'm really serious about it; but I know it will take at least a year to pay off. My mom, however, is making me feel so guilty about it all, declaring that "I'm not an only child," and so forth. I am extremely serious about music, and I hopefully plan to study it in college. I plan on trying to make money to help pay for it, but the first payment is due in 2 weeks! When I told my mom this, she started talking about how we might not even be able to afford lessons next year. I really don't know how I would be able to live without my music. Any help/suggestions on my situation?

Answer 1

Try applying for a scholarship. Have you tried applying with Astrive? http://www.astrivestudentloans.com/ They let you pay the loans back after you graduate.Here are a few other websites that might help you. Good Luck!!!

http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/fi...

http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/unusu...

Answer 2

It sounds like a great opportunity. If you're really serious about it, it might be worth it to consider taking out a private loan. The company I represent, http://www.tuitionbids.com, lets you apply for a student loan with six different lenders at the same time. The idea is, if lots of banks are competing for your business, you may end up with a better rate than most private loans. Being in debt is never ideal, but maybe this option could work for you. Good luck!