Defer College?

I'm posting this here because not many people that I know in real life can give me advice on this. I've pretty much made up my mind about this, I'm just trying to convince my parents of it now.

So, I've gotten into two colleges out of ten that I applied to, NYU and a local state school. The thing is that we don't have the money to pay for either, NYU has 42k in tuition and I get absolutely no financial aid, and the local state school charges about 20k in tuition for out-of-state tuition. All the loan providers that would give us loans have shut down for now, and my parents would basically have to throw a majority of their total yearly paycheck towards my college expenses, even with me helping. My state enacted new policies that won't allow any new undocumented students to enter the community college system, and so I'm basically stuck right now.

After some thought, I came to the conclusion that I should defer both colleges so that I'd go there next year. I think that's the best right now, with Dream Act just being introduced, if it passes during that time then I may have a chance at going to the state school on in-state tuition, which is a fraction of the out-of-state tuition. My family also has some legal processing going on that could get us a greencard, though I doubt that'll happen, it's already taken a decade and I doubt it'll happen anytime soon.

So, any thoughts/advice? I'm trying to convince my parents that it's for the best, they think that I won't go to college after not being in school for a year, which isn't true. I plan on taking the year and working so to build up some cash for college.

I'm surprised NYU did not offer you any financial aid. Private universities usually provide need-based aid to international students. This is a tough decision, but based on what you've said, it looks like deferring for a year might be the best plan.

i think it is best to defer for a year. i say this because i had a not so good financial position in college and it was extremely stressful not knowing if i'd be able to come back each semester because of money. if the dream act does pass, and that is a big if, you're in a better position for loans and what not.

college can be hard. being there while being illegal is hell.

but i do think your parents are right. i graduated in june and i've been on a really big self-pitying tip as of late. as a formerly ambitious person, it's just been real tough keeping hope alive only because i've had to decline so many great opportunities.

you just have to make sure you have a game plan before you sign the defer card. also, talk up the financial aid office about your situation. i doubt you'll be the first... i actually got into nyu, and while i ultimately didn't go there, they were somewhat decent with my financial aid all things considered.

Surprised? NYU has the worst financial aid in the country, I don't know anyone who goes here and got more than half of the tuition covered by NYU.

that's about right daffodils. but it's pretty bad if you're an international student. but it was cheaper than my state school since i would have to pay out of state with no aid at all.

princeton is probably the best place to go if you're broke... no loans. harvard has a similar policy now, too.

but getting in is the hard part, lol

as long as u set your mind to going back then you will. just dont get caught up with the money you'll be making and save save!!!

If you really have a clear plan, and will not get sidetracked by the money you will earn than that looks like your best plan .

When you start working you will see your first own personal money, and it is going to be tempting to go back to just dedicate yourself to working only, but fight the temptation and try to go back to school ASAP.

Thanks guys, your posts helped me decide.

I've decided to go to the local state school for a year and then trying to transfer to a better school, or a school that will be willing to give me aid. Instead of trying to convince my parents they convinced me .

It seems easy now, but sitting around for an entire year without any clear purpose will be hard, especially with the going back to school thing. I doubt I would be able to get a job right now, with legal college kids not being able to get a job in this economy, and I don't want to waste away for a year. So I'm going, even if it costs a crapload, better to be doing something then nothing. If (When) the Dream Act does pass, then I want to get a head start on the college requirements. NYU looks amazing, but it's too damn expensive, so I'm dropping that for now and in the future. 42k is a lot of money that could be used in so many better ways.

I've also been waitlisted at a few liberal arts schools, and one of them I'll definitely go to if I get in, Middlebury, since they'll cover everything, though I doubt I'll get off the waitlist.

So thanks, I've decided, now it's time to just go through with it.

^ I was waitlisted for Middlebury last year. If you haven't already, send them another recommendation, another essay, whatever you can gather. I did that and got in. Good luck.

I know how it feels man, I'm pretty much in the same situation now. .. .but i decided to go instead
the chances of getting in a good college after a year off seems miniscule to me. It is going to be tough in the coming year to pay full-tuition, but I will try my best and hopefully the Dream Act will rescue me.