Graduate school was always a huge dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. I’m sure that is the case for many young teens nowadays as well. Especially in today’s society, having a master’s degree seems almost a requirement when wanting to get a good job. I’ve had to go through a lot of obstacles and sacrifices to get to where I am today, but it has all been extremely worth it to me and I hope will pay off one day. Here are a few things to consider when wanting to apply to grad school but unsure because of financial issues. It is possible!
1. Take out loans.
What better way to be in more debt then take out loans ha-ha… But seriously, what’s so great about loans is that they’re easy to apply for, you don’t have to pay your school any money upfront, and once you graduate you have six months after to begin paying back the loans and they even set up payment plans for you.
2. Work a part time job.
Most part time jobs require at least four-hour workdays and will accommodate any school schedule. Also, many colleges and universities offer on-campus jobs for students and usually pay pretty well. This is a great way to get extra cash in your pocket and gain more experience for your resume.
3. Learn how to say no.
Saying no is a simple yet complicated word. Nobody wants to say no to hanging out with their girlfriends on a Friday night or a date with a cute boy from Tinder. But if your friends are true friends and that boy is really into you, they’ll understand and wait till next time. And even though staying in your room at night sounds depressing and lonely, think of it as getting ahead in your classes and searching for jobs or internship opportunities.
4. Open a savings account.
Budgeting your money can be extremely difficult, especially doing it on your own. When you have a bunch of cash lying around or a credit card that’s easily used in one swipe, next thing you know you don’t have money for your next subway card and looks like you’ll be walking to work. I myself am the worst when it comes to saving money and wanting to always pamper myself. But try to list out your goals and know how much they will cost. If it’s important to you it will give you motivation to not buy those cute new shoes and save the money for renting an apartment in New York City.
5. Use coupons.
Coupons will save your life when it comes to buying food and other necessities. Always look for deals in grocery stores like a buy 2 get 1 free deal, or Apps such as Ibotta. Stretch your dollar as far as it can go and try to only buy healthy necessary food, not impulsive hungry junk food.
6. Beg your parents… or other family relatives.
Unfortunately, I was never one of those lucky kids whose family owned their own business and could give their kids anything they wanted. Oh well! It sucks when your family can’t help you pay for things and you have to do it on your own. But in the end I think it makes you a stronger person. And it doesn’t hurt trying to ask every once in a while, or playing the “I’m starving” card on mom and dad.
7.If all else fails…. Get a sugar daddy or mama. Jk! But it could be an option ;)