Taking a semester off, should I, or should I not?

Question

Hey, I'm sort of in a bind. It's taken me forever to graduate (changing majors, etc) and now I am 2 semesters away from graduating. In that time, I've had a falling out with my parents, whom I do barely contact now. I've been going through financial aid problems. When I was talking to my parents, I got grants, scholarships and loans based on my dad's unemployment. However, because I choose to do things my own way, I was left on my own, basically to fend for myself. In April, I tried to to apply on an independent status. I hadn't talked to my parents in over a year, nor had I gone home to see them. In the past, my parents (mainly my dad) controlled my financial aid money, transferring it to his account (which now I know is illegal) Anyway, my independent status got denied, because employers wrote the letter for me, when these employers have known me for several years. I'm at the point where I am considering taking a semester off just to work and save up money. Should I?

Answer 1

This is by far the most common problem we deal with in financial aid.  Here is what really needs to happen.  You need to speak with your parents, or have a Financial Aid Officer speak to them on your behalf, and explain to them, that they do not need to take any responsibility in your funding, but they do need to provide their information to allow you to continue school.  I understand a falling out with parents.  It happens.  But they should still be willing to ensure you get an education, even if they don't want to contribute financially.  

If, they cannot deal with that, then you will be responsible for paying for school.  Perhaps you could transfer to a community college to finish your degree, as they are normally the cheapest school to attend.  You should also look into applying for scholarships, as that may reduce the financial burden you will carry.  

If none of those options work, then perhaps you need to take some time off to get money for school, but this can result in a continued postponement of school.  Make sure if you have to take time off to save money, that you keep your goals prioritized with school first.  It can be difficult to take time off and still go back.  I wish you the best of luck in your education.

Answer 2

I commend you first of all for returning back to school.  I will suggest to try whatever you need to to remain in school.  I was in school for a 1yr and 1/2 and I withdrew and it took me two years to get back and it's like starting all over again. It was hard because working full time and being a student is difficult.  I took the break off to work to get help take care of a family member and when it was time for me to get back in school last fall my parent would not provide me with the information needed so I could get financial aid.  And that was because I moved out and was trying to become an adult and take care of myself and they were upset.  I understand where you are coming from.  I would suggest two things to stay in those two semesters and finish.  Maybe take out a private loan.  I just think with you being two semesters away from graduating you're too close to give up now.  Because I 'm back and I'm staying until I finish.  But if you absolutely have to take a break, at the age of 24 you are considered independent age by U.S. Dept of Edu. regardless.  This might be an option for you.  I wish you well and I hope is works out for you.

Answer 3

I think that you should take the advice of Jeremy but do your best to make up with your parents also.

Answer 4

luvikavi,

You are at a major crossroad in your life, and how you handle this event is a testament of what you have learned and who you have become.  

As a parent, I stress to my children that my job is to help them learn how to take care of themselves in the future.  I am to give them a set of core values, a foundation to build their future and success on.  The decisions they make along the way are indicators of how successful I have done my job.

The stresses and strains that you are encountering with your parents are a natural part of breaking away.  You and your parents are differing on how prepared you both feel about this separation.  Do not let this present sentiment destroy your future relationship.

So right now the impasse is primarily about money, your need for it and your parents' desire to control you through it.  You are determined to assert your independence and separate yourself from their control, and I understand that decision.  You are accepting that you must provide for yourself as you finish your formal education, a wise decision.  I wish well for you in this path.  

I would encourage you to cut back without withdrawing completely from school.  Take what courses you can on a part-time basis until you are down to your last semester.  Diligently save your money as you maintain your goal of completing your education and pursuing your career.  It may take an extra year to accomplish your goal, but stay on task.

Consider that your present student loan may become due in the interim, and you will want to address how you will be able to deflect the effects of that bill.  Ask your student aid officer how you can defer the loan until you become a teacher and may have some relief programs available to you.  Ask if there are additional scholarship opportunities.

Be thankful that you and your parents have come this far, and leave the door open for your renewed relationship some day in the future.  

Best Wishes