So, I'm a student in the United States attending full time and holding down one of those bullshit on campus jobs. Last year I was working and trying to support myself (no parental help) and I pulled down a little less than $12,000 gross income. When I try to go to school and get out of this entry-level bullshit, I apply for FAFSA just like any other student, and am looking to get enough in grants and loans to cover my school fees totaling about $11,000 and change per semester. I got a few scholarships, and FAFSA denies me any financial hardship consideration? No PELL Grant, about 2 grand in stafford unsub, and that's about it. I get instant denial for private loans (because I have no cosigner) and when I ask "how can I improve my credit, so I can get these loans," I'm met with "Well, to improve your credit and chances of approval, you can pay off loans on time." And yet...I can't get a loan to pay off? Now is it me, or am I stuck in the biggest catch 22 clusterfuck? I mean really, what am I supposed to do here? I'm no idiot by any stretch of the imagination, and I'd like to think I have the tiniest shred of common sense. This whole system is just...beyond me. I can't even understand the thought process behind it.
So, if anyone has any wisdom to share on how to get myself out of this financial aid clusterfuck, I'd love to hear it.
