My financial aid got cut,what can I do?

Question

Alright, so my financial aid got cut this year. Basically it covers about half of my rent and tuition- that's it. That means everything else is on me... books, food, the other half of rent, car expenses, gas, plane ticket home, etc etc. I've applied for TONS of scholarships, but so far... nothing. My Mom cannot afford a DIME towards school. She foreclosed her house, moved into a rented house across the country, and is JUST making it for her and my siblings. I have a job, but I'd pretty much have to work whenever I'm not in classes or sleeping. I'm taking 5 classes... it's going to be impossible to study, let alone have any kind of life! Time for the gym, my boyfriend, church stuff? Forget it! College has been my dream since I was a little girl, but it's turning out to be difficult, and I'm not talking academics. It's taking too much out of me, and not giving me enough back. Anyway... is there ANY kind of program or financial aid I could be missing? A girl from my High School is from a well off family, but after she filled out her FAFSA, she could go to pretty much any college she wanted- at no cost to her! Help? Advice? Support... anything?

Answer 1

First, I would cut down your classes to four.  Do not overdo it--you are supposed to enjoy college.  Four is still full time (12 credits).  Check with the FA office--why were you cut?  Do they have a revised FAFSA from your mother?  You may have to cut out the plane fare home, for instance.  Check with other resources at the college for other ideas, but understand they are often overwhelmed with these questions.  Also, do you need a car right now?  I know it's a sacrifice, but a college degree will be worth it, if you can stick it out.  

Answer 2

If it were easy, everyone would do it and no one would need it.  Cut out all the non essentials, no plane trip home, no cell phone no gym membership (college prob has this free), get a room mate or two, whatever you can think of.  Anything that has naught to do with your academic life needs to be disregarded and tossed.

I worked 2 jobs through my undergrad totaling about 30 hours a week and took 15 hours a semester.  I worked or went to school (usually both) EVERY SINGLE DAY for like 2 years.  Yes, even working Thanksgiving Day, Christmas day, new years, you name it.  Never got paid a dime overtime.  Again, if it were easy, everyone would do it and no one would need it.

Good luck

EDIT:  That is sacrificing what you are, for what you can BECOME.