College Insight

I'm not sure where to post this, so I'll try here.

I'm almost done with my junior year in high school (finals right now), and with senior year creeping up on me and the college application process starting, feelings of anxiety are forming inside me.

I'm aware that most of the people that visit here are older than me (I turn 18 next month), so I won't go into detail about how my situation sucks. Realistically I am better off than most. However, I want to know if there's any scholarships or anything I could get so I can pay for college.

Unfortunately I'm not super smart. My Junior year GPA is a measly 3.3 (on a 4.0 GPA scale), I'm not in any honors classes and I'm enrolled in only 2 AP classes for next year. I have a 93% grade in my English class (it's only regular though), B's in US History, German, and Biology, and a 97% in Computer Operating Systems (had a similar percentage for Computer Repair last year). Then I'm also in Pre-calculus, which I struggle in with barely a C (70%). I've been bad at math since Algebra 1, (passed it with a C), had a C in Geometry, and a C for Algebra 2. I'm going to AP Statistics next year, and if this train of grades has anything to show then I think I'm fucked. If it helps, I had a 3.5 GPA Freshman year, and a 2.9 GPA Sophomore year.

As far as talents go, I'm not sure if I have any. I like languages and have no trouble picking them up apparently (Perfect English, fluent in Polish, know some German (not fluent though), a little Japanese). I've had a passion for video games since I was young, but really that seems like the most wasteful talent anyone could ever have, though I've had people tell me otherwise. Then as my computer class grades say, I seem to be good with computers. Like previously mentioned, my ultimate weakness is math.

Other things to mention: I'm Polish, gay, reside in IL, live in a town without job opportunities for the undocumented as all the stores and food places are corporate-owned (CVS, Burger King, Subway, Jimmy John's, Little Caesar's). I'm part of the school newspaper, and I did write an article about the DREAM Act, but having limited space I couldn't talk a whole lot about it. I did get praised for it, but I'm doubtful if it will even make a difference. I've been on the school's swim team for three years, but have never been strong enough to make varsity, and colleges care only about varsity players, so I don't think it's worth joining swimming again as a senior. I mean, I do all the workouts but honestly I'm weak.

I'm just looking for guidance on what I can do with my life.

Your task is to look for funding. Since you live in IL instate tuition wont be an issue. Have you tried LGBT scholarships? Do a google search and see what happens .

From Illinois here also... best place to be!

Thanks for the tip Abaddon, though I can't find much. Most of the available scholarships seem to require U.S. Citizenship or residency, or leadership project experience. I mean I'd love to volunteer and help out the LGBT community, but there's nothing for people like me where I live.

I am sorry. The only advice I have for you is to keep looking for fundings. Also, community college isn't expensive and is a good way to get rid of general ed. requirements and then transfer in the future. Is there any way your parents can help you subsidize community college?

I considered community college, but it's in another town and there is no public transportation for me to get there. Transportation is the other problem for me; I don't know anyone that would be willing to ride me, since well, I can never return the favor. As such this makes my best option a public 4-year college, which while pricy at $11,000-or-so, is one of my cheaper schools. The last time I talked to my parents about this, they said they'd withdraw a bank loan to pay for my education, which while I really appreciate that, I hate that I still have to live off of them. It makes me fearful that I'll grow into an adult with a spoiled child's mentality.

Thanks for your help though Abaddon, very much appreciated.. At the very least if DREAM doesn't pass, I can just go back to Europe and start a new life in the UK maybe.

Have you looked into scholarships? I know Maldef has a list, but I'm not sure you'd qualify.

And if your parents are offering to finance your education, I'd say go for it. It doesn't mean that you will turn into a brat. And you can always pay them back when you get a well-paying job.

I'm in college now.. I'm 21 and attended community college for 3 years;; and I did start late, like you. The reason I chose community college was to save money and to make some time!! I know(i want to believe) the dream act would pass this time, however, although it passes today, it won't be effective till like next year. Therefore, my advise is that you attend community college (i took bus, which took like an hour to get to school!-it's something you have to compromise) and finish 2 years there and get a AS degree and transfer!! by the time you graduate that community college, you'll be able to transfer to 4-year college with a green card.. (just a hope).. but I really believe it and you should too!! we're still young,,.. we should not let go of our dream just because we can't attend 4-year college right away. it will suck going top cc at first.. but I did! I endured.. just study very hard and things will get better..

I looked at the Maldef website, and it says they offer scholarships for law students, is that it? They don't help students in other majors?