College Question

Fig073 · February 1, 2025

Hi everyone, I have been a fan of LTT since around the time of the 10 series GPUs (and a floatplane subscriber since the Hackaning), which I know is not long compared to some of you. I am now 17 and about to graduate high school. I got admitted into the Georgia Institute of Technology early in December for a Dual major in biomedical engineering and computer engineering. I was hoping to get the President's Stamp scholarship, but the announcement for semifinalists just got announced, and I did not make it. So, I was wondering If anyone has any ideas/suggestions for jobs (preferably with tech or IT) or scholarships about what I could do to get my room and board covered, along with any additional fees (I already have my tuition paid via Zell Miller). Sorry, I know this may not be the best place to post this, but I was watching the WAN show while I was thinking about what to do, so I ended up thinking about how this community has been so welcoming and helpful.

PS: thank you to everyone in the community who has been so kind through the years and especially thanks to the team at LMG for fostering my passion for tech

saintlouisbagels · February 1, 2025

There's nothing wrong with taking out student loans if you are unable to cover all of the costs of a college education. You just need to be honest with yourself that you will see the education through to the end and also avoid racking up credit card debt. No, credit is not bad. Having a balance carry over month-to-month is bad.

You could look into applying for an RA (resident assistant) position for the dorms there. I believe they get most of, if not all, of their room and board paid for. That how it was for my college. Of course this means having the additional workload of being involved in school affairs while juggling your dual major, but you were already expecting that since you were looking for a job anyways.

Donut417 · February 1, 2025

8 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

here's nothing wrong with taking out student loans if you are unable to cover all of the costs of a college education.

There is if you dont have a plan to pay them back. Which is very evident with the nearly $2 Trillion in outstanding student loans. Im not sure how private student loans work, but I wouldn't want to be in debt in that amount to a bank in this country. All my student loans are federal. But Trump has been putting freezes on funding and such, so Im not sure if they are even giving new loans out. Repayment of current loans starts later this year according to the email I got. They dont start calculating payments until September.

@Fig073if you take loans out dont be stupid with it. Take the least out you can. I would also consider getting a job and paying on them a bit. Subsidized Federal Loans dont have interest until you graduate, Unsubsidized loans start interests immediately. So at the very least pay on the interest while in school. Keep in mind that you would be taking out multiple loans, so if you pay a singular loan off, your payment will drop. Thats what I have been doing the last year while Biden has had loans on deferment. I have paid 4 out of the 8 student loans I have. With any luck I should be able to pay at least 2 off this year.

starsmine · February 2, 2025

FAFSA gives you Work study opportunities as well. They do not pay well, but the jobs are usually they need a warm body so you should be able to spend some of the time studying. Like working the front desk of the gym or a deans departments office.