Money for College - My mother is completely crazy, right?

Question

1. My mother says some ivy league school give full rides, regardless if one excels at academics (I take Ap classes, get A's and what not, but I do not exactly stand out), and I find that hard to believe. She actually very mad at me because I've only settled for a good $45,000 private school which was "only" able to cut $30,000... Just to add, we are a low income family.

B.) I know many brighter students students who do not apply for Ivy league schools, and when I use them for a reason as to why I won't apply myself, my mother argues that "they're just intimidated by school", and that I "just don't believe in myself"

C.) Her payments to the school consists of $1,700 per month for four years. Is that too much? Even considering that she wants me to go to a high class school? She's very angry that in later years I won't look into ivy schools that "supposedly" give full rides on a whim, and calls me a spoiled brat! Am I a spoiled brat in having my parents help with school payments?

Answer 1

No, mother is not crazy. She simply doesn't want to pay all that money. Your young and can't see into things like that until you've been through it. When you have to pay a bill/debt every month with no exceptions you'll will understand. That is one bill that to me is incredibly riduculous, too. You should choose another route in order to not stress mother out so badly. They're is something else that your young eyes can't see, too. America and the era we are in- is unlike it has never been before. We are slowly, but surely turning into a third world country. What? The land of the free is going down the drain and when this Obama get's into office (which had a muslim upbringing and belief sysyem) we are really headed for disaster (though he claims he'll fix everything). Everything we knew before we' ll slowly disapear. The economy is bad now and if a man like that becomes president (who does believe in a one world order) we may be heading for a whole different system. Your mom see's these things I've just explained to you, but just hasn't talked about them to you. Basically, she does want you to get your higher education, but not at the expense of driving her into a hole (or even the state hospitol). Please think about that.

Answer 2

If you're IQ is at least five standard deviations above average on any given recent test then your academic scores will matter much much less.

Answer 3

First, yes, many schools like Harvard and Yale have introduced policy that covers the entire cost of attendance to these schools who's family makes below a certain amount of money.  Judge a school NOT by how much they come down on the price, (30K is nothing for a school that costs 45K).  Judge a school by how much you and your family have to pay!!!!  Kids make this mistake all the time when judging how great their scholarship is.  

B?  It's your mom's opinion.  So whatever... You are taking APs and getting A's and you are not applying.  It sounds like you have found a school and want to attend.  But seriously... walk softly with your mom... or you may get ZIP for your college education.  She doesn't HAVE to pay for anything.

C?  I doubt your family is low income if mom COULD afford to send 1,700 to the school every month for the next four years.  Yes, that is too much and very presumptuous of you.  Most kids college education costs that for 1 SEMESTER.  Not one month for the next 4 years. Low income families don't make that much a month.  

So do you want her living in a homeless shelter while you are off at private college?

If you are having problems with her now, I seriously doubt she will keep the payments up (because she can't afford them) for the next four years.  Save yourself some pain and mom some grief and go to a different school.  Any school that requires it's students to pay 1,700 a month isn't a very good school.  45K for a year is stupid.  A high pricetag does NOT mean it's a better education.  It means the school does not get state funding.  

A private college education doesn't do you any good if you have to drop out after 1 year because Mom can't afford it... and neither can you.

Answer 4

I have three degrees (2 Masters), have went to several colleges and universities,  and currently teach at a college.  I can't say that it is impossible but very unlikely.  Of course, if you were an All-State athlete then that would change things.  College is expensive for sure but it is a great investment.  I don't thnk you are spoiled for having parents that want to pay for college.  Be thankful and grateful.  I paid for all of my college and have a nice whopping student loan bill.  But if you are a low-income family, completing the FAFSA application for financial aid is suggested - you never know what you might qualify for.