Need Some School Advice

[C0lt]

Did extremely well in high school, and decided that I thought it would be worth it to take on some sizeable loans to go to a private school in my state that does well in my area of study. I discovered halfway through my first semester that I do not feel that the school is worth it for the loans im taking on. Ive decided that Im going to transfer to a state university thats actually in my home town, western Connecticut State University if anyone is familiar. This choice has been further solidified by the fact that my grandfather, whom I lived with, passed away in an accident over this past weekend. That leaves my mother and my grandmother solely responsible for my grandfathers house and land, and with my brother and I both away at school, it has become clear that one of us needs to come home. With that being said, I am unsure if I want to start this spring, or work this spring and start again in the fall.

 

Benefits of starting in the spring:

I can start playing lacrosse this year, and not have to wait until next year.

All of my financial aid and loans would carry over to the spring. 

 

Benefits of starting next fall:

I can take on full time hours at work, and come fall of next year I will probably be able to pay my tuition for the year without any loans.

can still apply for loans

I will feel like im turning a fresh page 

 

Disadvantages of starting in the spring:

Quick change= quick, sometimes difficult adjustment

Probably will not get the class schedule and selection that im looking for because of the fact that im registering late 

 

Disadvantages of starting in the fall:

I will receive my bachelors a semester late

employers may be suspicious as to why I have a semester gap in my education.

 

If anyone with more experience or wisdom can help me with this, it would be greatly appreciated .

[flyfisher]

My advice is to not delay going back.  The longer you wait to go back the harder it is.

 

a far as havign a semester gap and getting your bachelors a semester late, that means pretty much nothing.  I took about 10 years to get my bachelors and that had multiple 2 year+ stints of no school.

[lo n slo]

You sound like a fine young man. Go with what your heart and conscience tells you.

[BassinLou]

Employers will not be suspicious why you received your degree a semester late. All they like to see is that you received a degree. 

[retiredbosn]

I want to congratulate you on the character you've revealed through this post and I an sorry for your loss.. With all the raw emotions you have now, it is hard to know what to do. Just being close to home will provide more relief for your Mom and Grandmother than you realize. I would encourage you to continue this spring, if you can get the transfer completed by then. Once you leave school and start working the easier it will be to continue working justifying it by the way you'll be assisting financially. That is an easy trap to fall into, good luck and best wishes.

[PourMyOwn]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather. It sounds as though you come from a wonderful family.

 

Stay in school. I was a HS teacher/football coach for 15 years-when people take time off, they have trouble going back.In fact, they usually don't go back. Play lax, become a part of that. Cross off some gen eds, get acclimated. The support and connections you will get through being on that team will help get you through. 

[buzzed bait]

i'm sorry to hear of your loss man.

employers do not care about how or how long it took to get the degree, just the degree is what matters (if it even matters at that point).  I would opt to go back ASAP because once you start working and making some money and having free time and fishing and all that..... school looks a lot less appealing!  

[gardnerjigman]

Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. I also urge your to start this spring. You sound as though you have a good head on your shoulders and are focused in, don't allow time for something to get in the way of that. You being near home will do what it needs to do for your family. Get what you need to get done for your future. 

 

Stay strong.

[C0lt]

For everyone that has replied, thank you and god bless you, I really appreciate your replies. I have a meeting with my current Dean tomorrow concerning my withdrawal, and will ask for his take on it as well. As far as my decision to continue into the spring or return in the fall, it will be highly dependent on how well I am able to construct a class load for the spring that will be manageable and useful in my education, as well as my families opinion on the matter. 

[wisconsin heat]

For everyone that has replied, thank you and god bless you, I really appreciate your replies. I have a meeting with my current Dean tomorrow concerning my withdrawal, and will ask for his take on it as well. As far as my decision to continue into the spring or return in the fall, it will be highly dependent on how well I am able to construct a class load for the spring that will be manageable and useful in my education, as well as my families opinion on the matter. 

First off, I am sorry for your loss. I really suggest swinging right back into it. Don't delay if at all possible, I am a junior right now, and I am on my 3rd college. I started undecided and hated my first college. I transferred to another school to study to become a member of the DNR. After learning about the options available and taking courses, I decided it wasn't for me. I failed a Chemistry course that I hadn't been prepared to take, and in the process lost a sizeable scholarship. Now I am at my 3rd school and I am liking it so far. You can make it work for you, I did. I am the first in my family that is going to get a 4 year degree. Had I taken a semester off, I may not have gone back, it has happened before to 2 of my siblings. Work through it, and be proud of yourself for doing it.

[Sam]

A few things:

1.  So sorry to read about the loss of your grandfather. Tough time of the year to lose anyone.

2.  Hang up your Lacrosse equipment and focus on your school work.

3.  As penned above, go back to school now. Do not delay the decision. Go back to school.

4.  Don't worry about when you received your degree. Just get that degree.

5.  After you graduate be sure to pay a lot into F.I.C.A. when you get your pay checks!!!!!!

[atcoha]

If it feels right, do it. I would not hang up lacrosse gear, unless your grades suffer.  Priorities...

Stick with it, finish up your school while you are still young, and while you have the time/resources....before life gets in the way...

Good luck.

[desmobob]

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. 

 

My advice is NOT to take a semester off.  It's sounds easy but is pretty risky.  Like many others have, I did that... and never returned to school.  Make school your first priority.  It will give you the tools to help and support your family better in the long run.

 

Tight lines and best of luck to you,

Bob

[Mike2841]

First I would like to say that I'm sorry for your loss

Secondly I would not skip a semester of school. Even if you just go part time and commute from home. Once you lose that momentum it's very hard to get started again.

[NorcalBassin]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Lots of good advice already and I'll throw out another potential option. As best I recall your loans will stay "deferred" as long as you're enrolled 1/2 time in the spring, so that may be a middle option that allows you to work enough to help out while still keeping you in school mode. Even though you're registering late you should be able to find a couple general ed night or even online classes to get your foot in the door, and then you can hit the ground running in the fall with a full load. Best of luck and keep your head up... heck of a future ahead for you.