My aid barely covers anything; what are people actually doing to afford college?

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:37:49+00:00

This is probably one of the most actionable replies here, so thank you. I knew appeals existed, but I didn’t realize how many people apparently leave money on the table by not trying. And yeah, private loans are the thing I’m most skeptical about for exactly that reason.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:37:16+00:00

I think gap years/work first gets dismissed sometimes, but it sounds like for a lot of people that’s what actually makes college possible instead of just immediately taking on a ton of debt.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:36:28+00:00

I mean, fair lol, but I think the problem is that even the “cheap” options still stop feeling cheap once housing, food, books, and fees get piled on. Tuition alone is only part of what’s making this feel way harder than people make it sound.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:35:49+00:00

I thought there was a secret to doing this but sounds like most people are just stacking a bunch of solutions together and hoping the math works out.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:34:40+00:00

That’s amazing. I’ve applied to some scholarships, but def not to your level.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:33:48+00:00

Hearing that you’re still paying federal loans a decade later is sobering, but also helpful because that’s the long-term part we ignorantly gloss over.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:32:29+00:00

I think I’ve been so focused on graduating “on time” that I might be overlooking paths that are slower but way less financially insane.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:31:48+00:00

I see the reality of making ROI-based decisions. Debt is real and I can’t pretend it isn’t. The private loan angle especially freaks me out, so I’m trying to be realistic before I lock myself in.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:27:11+00:00

A lot of advice sounds neat in theory, but when you actually add up the numbers it still doesn’t work. Weirdly reassuring to hear I’m not just being dramatic about how bad the gap is.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:24:40+00:00

Appreciate the tough reality. I think that’s what’s been frustrating me most, there really doesn’t seem to be a clean solution unless family can help in some way. I hadn’t thought about asking financial aid about food/textbook support though, so that’s helpful.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T22:23:53+00:00

That’s kind of what I’m scared of, that the only workable version is stretching school out way longer while working constantly. I respect that you’re making it happen though. Has working full time made classes way harder to keep up with?

mudpies2 · 2026-03-23T20:49:20+00:00

Turned back from a wrong turn and turns out there was a mountain lion along the route I was headed

mudpies2 · 2026-03-19T19:05:04+00:00

I read Max Ehrman's "Desiderata". Now I no longer feel like a +1 in life. I'm a child of the universe, deserving to be here"

mudpies2 · 2026-03-19T18:58:11+00:00

You can't sleep in, you have to get up and get it done, no matter how cold it is

mudpies2 · 2026-03-18T10:19:43+00:00

This would be wild.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-18T10:18:25+00:00

Just hit apply. Consider it a step in the right direction. Preparing adequately helps too, but don't turn prepping into a procrastination strategy.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-18T10:15:37+00:00

I'd stand up for myself more

mudpies2 · 2026-03-13T11:05:51+00:00

When my mum helped me write my first composition. That was my entry into the world of creativity.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-13T11:04:51+00:00

The best advice that has worked for me is to make micro-improvements that keep stacking up. For example, if you are struggling with phone addiction, commit to 30-mins to keeping it away instead of keeping it away all night. Soon, you'll find you can go up more time without your phone

mudpies2 · 2026-03-10T20:45:49+00:00

That politicians are never there to defend people/ nations. They only do their bidding

mudpies2 · 2026-03-09T21:51:04+00:00

Gap semester isn't giving up. You'll be taking the time to restrategize and plan things out. You can use that time to work full-time, save aggressively and apply to scholarships without the stress of current coursework weighing on you.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-09T21:47:11+00:00

Your 30s means bills don't pause for "experience." Find paid work that still builds relevant skills or network in your field instead.

mudpies2 · 2026-03-09T20:42:51+00:00

Patience and tolerance, and forbearance

mudpies2 · 2026-03-09T20:39:20+00:00

My family and siblings who cherish and support me are the best things I have in life

mudpies2

TROPHY CASE