Student Loan

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

Ok, I posted a topic about a week and a half ago asking questions about student loans, so on and so forth - but didn't get much feedback. This is getting close to the end of my rope, I'm driving myself crazy with questions that no one around me can answer because they've never dealt with student loans.

I took the Entrance Counseling on the studentloans.gov website and it said my selected school will be notified of my completion. So I'm finished as far as that goes, but I have these questions, even though they may sound dumb...I am 100% student loan confused.

OK, I honestly plan on quitting my stupid customer service job to focus solely on my last semester of pre-reqs this fall semester. I don't want to screw myself over and be stuck.

I won't need the student loan for my last pre-req semester, because I'm almost 100% my Pell will cover most of that, along with a pinch of my savings I have stashed away.

BUT, I'm shooting to get accepted into the LPN program in January, and if I am fortunate enough to do so, is it 100% certain I will receive a student loan? Are there certain questions that are asked for qualification, as well as data collected? (aside from w-2s and whatnot) will I be given enough for all of the supplies that I require? - I will have savings, but I'm certain it will not be the full amount needed for the LPN program.

I just don't want to be kicking myself in the ass when it's all said and done with with my current place of employment.

[windmill182]

Ill give you my experience from my school. The max amount of Student loans you can take out is $9500 for freshman year and $10500 for sophomore.

You will be granted the loans if you request them and complete the necessary process (entrance counseling, fafsa, easy stuff.) You need to contact your school and apply for the loan through them too, if you haven't. The only time I have heard of the loans being denied are because 1) you have completed too many credits through the school (may just be my school) 2) Drug charges from the past 3) delinquent on past student loans 4) you've met the max in student loans you can take out overall (Its like $50,000+ for independent students or something like that.)

Why are you quitting your job before the program starts? Honestly, I would keep working until you just cant. Like when the program actually starts. Save..save..save. Loans are a necessary evil sometimes, but I wouldn't rely on them. Loan payback can be a b**ch. Good Luck!

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

Wow, thank you so much for the information! I really appreciate it and you answered all I was wondering! :) I should be good to go then, I just need to contact my FA office.

I'm still on the fence about quitting my job. I still live at home w/ out bills other than car insurance and gas money, so I truly don't have to work, but have just chosen to for 5 years. My mom is fine with me staying at home, as long as I'm either working or going to school. I've never worked while being in school or taking classes. I'm taking 2 online right now while working, and that's pretty simple, but sometimes gets overwhelming, depending - but I fear that my focus will deter while working 32+ a week while trying to attend and study for A&P and Psychology. I don't really wanna risk screwing it up, I guess it's a fear. I work at walmart of all places, and with the holidays coming up, it's going to be insane. I despise the people I work with, because they don't work. I also think I'm just fed up with my job. I work in 100+ degrees in the summer and in the 50's or 40's in the winter... 4-5 days a week in our Garden Center w/ no AC or heat, a lot of times I'm out in the bare sun working with the plants...and it just drains my energy for doing anything else, honestly. I have a 2.9 right now, from fighting with my previous major...and really, really need it higher.

I don't mean to sound whiny about it, but it's just the way I feel and I rather be happy and in college, rather than miserable thinking about working at walmart right after classes. LOL

[windmill182]

If you live at home then I would look for a better job where you can work less hours. I would still work a little though, maybe just somewhere that isn't so miserable for you. Even if its just 16 hours a week. That way you can still save some money. Maybe balancing part time work and school will help prepare you for the rigorous nursing program. I don't think you sound whiny at all. I come on here to help people when I can and let them vent when they need it. Are you going for PN or RN? My school only requires a 2.5 for the LPN program, but if you plan on obtaining your RN someday you definitely want to bring that GPA up.

Remember, a 4.0 DOESNT make a "good nurse" because it just more than having a good memory or reading skills. Yes, better grades are good but you cant teach some of the most desirable traits to make a good nurse. The head of the Nursing Dept at my school preaches that day and night.

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

Awww, thank you so much! I do still want to work, I don't want to come off as someone who just doesn't want to be employed, I just hope I can find a job that I can work, like you said, at 16 hours a week, give or take, and maybe just weekends as a waitress or something. I've waited tables for 2 years in the past, so I know the field. I'd love to still make some income, it's just not possible for me to stay where they will not accommodate my school-related needs that I feel I require. :)

I'm so stressed about my GPA because I do wish to bridge to my RN as soon as I've completed my LPN program. For my school it is required to have a 2.75 to get into the LPN Program, so that's a part of my stress right now too, I suppose, I'm kinda walking on thin ice.