slimjim said:

And you know what? The need system is messed up anyway. I came back to school at 24 and despite having minimal income (<<$500/month), I didn't qualify for aid because I'd saved money from when I'd been working.

Just because you resent your position in the system don't say that it shouldn't be. The need system is based on mathematical formulas; they don't selectively decide someone needs or doesn't need money.

Well, then their math is wrong. Because I *am* someone who should qualify. I was advised to "spend all my savings" so that then I'd qualify for loans. What kind of advice is that?

The math isn't wrong. Obviously, people who were getting the scholarships needed it more. They didn't have the savings. Maybe they worked just as hard but had to spend their savings as they went along. I don't know.

Maybe. But I found ways around it. Not comfortable ways, either. I haven't owned a car in 8+ years, etc... I dunno, I just feel like I made it work and I'm not the smartest or best, so everyone else should be able to too.

It just seems odd that you are saying you need the aid, but then saying that there shouldn't be need-based aid.

Well, sure, I'd like more aid. But it should be based on the fact that I'm working hard and getting good grades, not that I did or did not save when I worked.

I don't think anyone is disputing that there needs to be aid (and more of it!); merely how it is distributed.

Xanippi

HOPEFUL

Richmond, VA

APR 26, 2005 09:17 PM

TrendSeven said:
I have $20,000 per year worth of merit based scholarships because I worked for it. I don't think someone should get the same just because they're poor.

fuck you, pay me

stockula

Anchorage, AK

May 2003

APR 26, 2005 09:42 PM

TrendSeven said:
I have $20,000 per year worth of merit based scholarships because I worked for it. I don't think someone should get the same just because they're poor.

What about mediocre middle class white boys? Have we no voice?

jackalnoir

Raleigh, NC

January 2005

MAY 03, 2005 10:14 PM

stockula said:

TrendSeven said:
I have $20,000 per year worth of merit based scholarships because I worked for it. I don't think someone should get the same just because they're poor.

What about mediocre middle class white boys? Have we no voice?

No, we don't. But just think, no matter what, you will always have an advantage over african americans and women! Whee! Actually that is tragic, and should never be the case. But as it is, I always argue for minority scholarships based on that. Being destitute, in a system which doesn't necessarily want you to succeed, isn't the best way to be prepared for higher learning. So i believe that those less fortunate should be given a hand up, because it's the right thing to do.

stockula

Anchorage, AK

May 2003

MAY 03, 2005 10:33 PM

I will?

I dont thnk i have been cut many breaks by virtue of being white or male. On the contrary. I get free health care becaue I'm 12% indian.

When I went to private school, I found my fellow students' parents were either very well off, or so poor they got lots of financial aid. Ordinary schlubs like me got next to nothing in aid, had to really pay through the nose.

My parents couldnt afford to send me through my school of choice, yet two sons of the family my father assisted charitably did, from all the aid they got due to being dead broke.

[Edited on May 03, 2005 by stockula]

freshprncebelair

Ellicott City, MD

June 2004

MAY 03, 2005 10:41 PM

stockula said:

When I went to private school, I found my fellow students' parents were either very well off, or so poor they got lots of financial aid. Ordinary schlubs like me got next to nothing in aid, had to really pay through the nose.

Very true. Although I have been able to secure enough money to go to college in state (UMBC) for relatively cheap (9k/year after scholarships).

I dont really like college too much, so im going to take time off from it though. Figure out what I want to do, instead of waste money stalling about in college.

Adelayde

Ellicott City, MD

September 2004

JUL 27, 2005 07:38 AM

TrendSeven said:
I have $20,000 per year worth of merit based scholarships because I worked for it. I don't think someone should get the same just because they're poor.

and what about people like me? i am a young mother, that would truly like to get a good education... but i simply cannot afford it. so... i don't deserve the aid i will be receiving this semester???

everyone deserves an education, buddy.

oh, & if the poor people didn't go to school... get an education... then i guess we'll just feed off of your taxes. welfare, buddy. better make sure you get a good job... i've got expensive taste.

[Edited on Jul 27, 2005 10:39AM]

[Edited on Jul 27, 2005 10:42AM]

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NEWS: College Fin. Aid: Meriting Merit More Than Needing Need

jholtsnider

I'm lost

February 2004

APR 20, 2005 06:58 PM

Xanippi

HOPEFUL

Richmond, VA

APR 26, 2005 09:17 PM

stockula

Anchorage, AK

May 2003

APR 26, 2005 09:42 PM

jackalnoir

Raleigh, NC

January 2005

MAY 03, 2005 10:14 PM

stockula

Anchorage, AK

May 2003

MAY 03, 2005 10:33 PM

freshprncebelair

Ellicott City, MD

June 2004

MAY 03, 2005 10:41 PM

Adelayde

Ellicott City, MD

September 2004

JUL 27, 2005 07:38 AM