I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I can remember. I am now 27yrs old with no college at all. I have 2 kids and have decided to make my dream come true. Well I went to the community college today just expecting to sign up for classes. Well let me first say I had to take a placement test which I need 3 math and 2 english classes to get to college level. I also cannot get into the LPN program till Fall of 2007. The community college also doesnt offer Student Loans. So now I am stuck wondering how on earth to pay for all of this. I dont qualify for any financial aid. The school also doesnt except Federal Student Loans. I just dont know what to do.. I am in Bloomington Illinois and dont know of any other school that I can do this at. I guess my dreams are being crushed and I dont know where to go from here.
Sorry for the depressing post I just needed to get it off my shoulder.
Lots of great adivce here, I would definitely check the web and look for scholarships. I too started college very late with practically no math background. I was literally taking 8th grade math when I started! If you can afford it, just simply take 1-2 classes at a time. Go slow, and forget about your age! I am now 29 and FINALLY applying to nursing programs this fall/winter. Believe me, if I can do it you can do it!:)
Try not to get too discouraged. Find out which assessment test the cc uses, and get the appropriate study guide. They should allow you to retake the test. You may still need some developmental classes, but probably not five once you have a chance to prepare for the test. Check with your bank and see if they offer educational loans. Don't worry right now how you're going to pay for the entire program--just take it one semester at a time. Best of luck to you.:)
You have to wonder how many people out there would be in nursing school if money wasn't an issue. I know some who were taking pre-reqs with me that once we applied. Were given spots in the next nursing class, but opted not to accept because of the money issue. I understand the not qualifying for any kind of aide due to the amount of money you make. I didn't qualify for any, even though I was unemployed, since the year before I made about 37,000. And before being qualified (stone broke with no job) I had to get a job to keep food on the table. Which means I wouldnt be qualified. It's a catch 22 for people who work and make a good wage. I was fortunate to be grandfathered into being exempt from all the entrance, basic courses since I was a viet nam veteran. I was able to use the Hazlewood Act to pay tuition and fees, but not books, uniforms, and other supplies it didnt cover. Try www.teri.org, it's a loan place for students and parents. Has the usual low interest, and you can opt to totally deferr everything until 6 months after you graduate. I live on loans since I dont make enough to pay bills and go to school. But is an alternative to not being able to go at all. Most of us have been in debt at one time or another, and I feel that a debt incurred to pursue a carreer in nursing to be well worth it.
bowkerj
93 Posts
Lots of great adivce here, I would definitely check the web and look for scholarships. I too started college very late with practically no math background. I was literally taking 8th grade math when I started! If you can afford it, just simply take 1-2 classes at a time. Go slow, and forget about your age! I am now 29 and FINALLY applying to nursing programs this fall/winter. Believe me, if I can do it you can do it!:)